Hong Kong Removes M+ From Venice Biennale Role
Despite being credited with raising visitor numbers to Hong Kong’s pavilion in Venice, the museum has been replaced in its role as organiser. Save to My Ocula
Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMA) will replace long-time organiser M+ as overseer of the city’s exhibition at next year’s Venice Biennale.
The decision was made by the government-appointed Hong Kong Development Council, official presenters of the city’s exhibition in Venice, and comes ahead of the international exhibition’s 61st edition, set to return from 9 May to 22 November 2026.
Council vice-chairman Frankie Yeung Wai-shing told South China Morning Post it was time for the council to have a ‘new partner’, adding that he ’[anticipates] the exhibition can promote Chinese traditional culture and Hong Kong‘s own special characteristics’.
The council said there was no particular reason for the change. The announcement comes after criticism of M+‘s approach to the selection process, which relies on unilateral decisions made with Hong Kong Arts Development Council, rather than the open call which had been standard when Hong Kong first gained a foothold in Venice in 2001.
The West Kowloon contemporary art museum has organised the city’s Venice exhibition since 2013, raising public interest with incisive solo presentations by artists like Angela Su (2022) and Trevor Yeung (2024), whose work attracted a record 200,000 visitors.
But now, in contrast to the single-artist focus of previous years, multiple artists will be featured, with curation by a team at HKMA rather than a single curator.
Artists will be selected from a list of 200 names, including makers who have received commissions from government-run museums and artists nominated by external institutions.
The official selection for the city’s presentation, Very Hong Kong, will be announced in July or August, according to HKMA director Maria Mok Kar-wing, who added that ‘Chinese traditional culture is not a prerequisite for artist proposals’. —[O]
Editor’s note: This article was updated on 16 April 2025 to reflect the Hong Kong Arts Development Council’s role in M+‘s selection process.
Main image: Hong Kong Museum of Art. Photo: Wpcpey via Wikimedia Commons.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services