• Ideas
  • Mar 13, 2015

Field Trip: Fotanian Open Studios 2015

The industrial neighborhood of Fo Tan, in Hong Kong’s New Territories, has been an organically growing creative hub for artists, who were first attracted to the area more than a decade ago due to its cheaper and spacious units considered more suitable as studio spaces than those in the city proper. Fo Tan was one of the first Hong Kong warehouse districts to transform into an arts enclave, which now include Chai Wan on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island, and Wong Chuk Hang in the south, among others.

Since 2001, the Fo Tan arts community has organized an annual public gathering, a behind-the-scenes look into their working spaces, which has evolved into the event Fotanian Open Studios as it is known today. Taking place over two consecutive weekends, the 2015 edition was pushed back from its usual January slot to March, to coincide with the new dates of Art Basel Hong Kong. From its humble beginnings of only a handful of participating artists to a full roster of over 170 artist and 70 studios this year, the open studios event not only includes visits to artist’s spaces, but also to design studios, galleries, local craft bazaars as well as guided tours. Here are some highlights of Fotanian Open Studios 2015, which will be held again on March 14 and 15.