MGM Collaboration with Art Basel Hong Kong

MGM booth and MGM Discoveries Art Prize

MGM booth at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026. Image courtesy of MGM.

MGM is a long-time collaborator with Art Basel Hong Kong. For the 2026 edition of the fair, MGM worked with display technology specialist BOE to stage a four-fold high-definition, small-pixel-pitch LED display in the shape of an M, creating a hyper-realistic, immersive digital installation for fair-goers to experience. 

Visitors at the MGM booth at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026. Image courtesy of MGM.

On the screen were highlights from Macau 2049, the MGM resident production by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. In addition, it presented key pieces from the “Silk Road Beyond Borders” exhibition at the POLY MGM MUSEUM in MGM Macau, including the  Large Cloisonné Enamel Ram and Vase Group  and the Dragon-Patterned Throne Carpet—alongside leading modern and contemporary artworks. Accompanying these are also highlights from the POLY MGM MUSEUM Cultural Exchange Programme 2026—Weaving the Legacy of Silk Roads.

Dragon-Patterned Throne Carpet. Image courtesy of MGM.

POLY MGM MUSEUM in MGM MACAU. Image courtesy of MGM.

Visiting Art Basel Hong Kong. Images courtesy of MGM.

MGM also led two delegations to the fair. The first was of more than twenty cultural leaders, artists and industry representatives from Macau to the VIP preview. The second was a learning journey organised for 30 young local artists, art students and faculty members to visit the fair, and to attend Conversations. This was eye-opening for all the visitors. Zhu Jiao, who is currently pursuing a Doctor of Fine Arts at the University of Macau, says, “Having transitioned from MGM’s National Arts Fund training program to attending Art Basel today, I can truly see how MGM continuously empowers young art professionals and students in Macau by building bridges to the global stage.” Zhu adds, “These platforms allow us to immerse ourselves in the global art ecosystem and understand market dynamics firsthand.

For the second time, MGM collaborated with Art Basel Hong Kong for the MGM Discoveries Art Prize, which recognises an outstanding presentation within Discoveries, the fair's sector dedicated to emerging galleries and artists. 

The award aims to recognise and highlight the originality and innovation of international emerging artists. The award comes with a USD50,000 cash prize which is shared between the artist and the gallery. The artist will also go on a three-day trip to Macau to experience what the city has to offer, including POLY MGM MUSEUM in MGM MACAU. The trip will include interacting with local young art talents. At a later stage, the artist will later have a chance to exhibit their work in Macau, furthering the artistic exchange. 

This year, there were 25 presentations in the Discoveries sector at Art Basel Hong Kong. The judges tasked to select a winning booth were Antonia Carver, Director, Art Jameel; Aaron Cezar, Founding Director, Delfina Foundation; Christopher K. Ho, Board Member, Asia Art Archive & Powerhouse Arts and Member, Design & Architecture Acquisitions Committee; Sam Seungho Park, CHairperson of the Board, PARKSEOBO FOUNDATION and X Zhu-Nowell, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Rockbund Art Museum.

The winner was announced to be Natsuko Uchino, an interdisciplinary artist whose practice is informed by human impact on the environment, and guides her in choosing the materials that she uses, and how she presents her work. Uchino is also professor of artistic education in Sculpture and Ceramics since 2017 at the Ecole Supérieure d’Art et de Design-TALM, Le Mans. 

Angelle Siyang-Le, Director, Art Basel Hong Kong; Joseph Allen Shea, Founder and Director, Galerie Allen; and Kenneth Feng, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, MGM China Holdings Limited on stage at the MGM Discoveries Art Prize Award Ceremony. Image courtesy of MGM. 

Accepting the award on behalf of Uchino, Joseph Allen Shea, Founder and Director of Galerie Allen, based in Paris, said, “Mostly, I’m excited for Natsuko who is a fantastic and intrepid traveller.” He explained, “She is constantly looking deeply into new cultures, learning about different ceramic practices and art-making. I can imagine she would be very pleased with the opportunity to do so.” 

Speaking about the collaboration between MGM and Art Basel Hong Kong, Kenneth Feng, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, MGM China Holdings Limited, says, “MGM remains committed to leveraging Macau’s unique role as a vital gateway for cultural exchange between East and West.” He adds, “Through our global network, we continue to create platforms that connect Macau’s arts community with the world, helping industry professionals gain deeper insights into global art market trends and the practical dynamics of the art economy.”

This article is presented in partnership with MGM.

Read an interview with Cristina Kuok, Senior Vice President of Art and Culture, MGM here.