ARShanghai Contemporary Art Fair 2025, a beacon of Asia?s vibrant art scene, transforms the iconic Shanghai Exhibition Centre into a dynamic showcase of creativity from November 13 to 16, 2025 . This 13th edition brings together over 130 galleries from 43 cities across 20 countries, presenting thousands of works by established and emerging artists in painting, sculpture, video, and digital art. Held in the heart of Shanghai?s Jing?an district, the fair serves as a vital bridge between local and global art markets, fostering connections among collectors, curators, and enthusiasts . Visitors can explore curated sections like Main Galleries for blue-chip works, APPROACH for young artists, and Detour for Asian and diasporic perspectives, alongside immersive public installations. Coinciding with Shanghai Art Week, it amplifies the city?s cultural pulse with parallel exhibitions at venues like the Power Station of Art. Known for its inclusive yet high-quality curation, ARdraws over 60,000 attendees annually, driving robust sales and global recognition. The 2025 edition emphasizes digital innovation and Global South artists, reflecting Shanghai?s role as a cultural powerhouse. Expect thought-provoking talks, live performances, and a lively atmosphere that celebrates artistic diversity .
Quick Facts
- Dates: November 13?16, 2025, with VIP Preview on November 13?14 .
- Location: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, No. 1000 Middle Yan?an Road, Jing?an District, Shanghai, China .
- Organizer: ARGroup, led by founders Kylie Ying, Bao Yifeng, and David Chau.
- Founded: 2013, as part of the Shanghai International Arts Festival.
- Visitor Numbers (2024): Over 60,000, showcasing widespread appeal.
- Presented By: Partners including Porsche China, Dior, and Christie?s, enhancing prestige.
Highlights
- Detour Section: Showcases Asian and diasporic artists, highlighting diverse narratives .
- Porsche Young Chinese Artist Award: Celebrates emerging talents with exhibitions and prizes.
- Beyond Public Projects: Features free, large-scale installations outside the venue.
- Art Talks: Offers engaging panels on global art trends and market insights .
- APPROACH Section: Presents solo or small group shows by emerging galleries.
- Collaborative Events: Includes fashion and design crossovers with brands like Hennessy .
Organizer
- ARGroup, established in 2013, orchestrates the fair with a vision for global art exchange .
- Founders Kylie Ying, Bao Yifeng, and David Chau also manage ARHong Kong and Jingart Beijing.
- The team ensures quality through a rigorous gallery selection process, with 20% new participants annually.
- Partnerships with Christie?s and Porsche China elevate the fair?s international profile.
What to Attend
- Main Galleries: Explore works from top galleries like David Zwirner and White Cube .
- Detour Section: Discover Asian and Global South artists with unique perspectives.
- APPROACH Booths: Engage with emerging talents in curated solo or group shows .
- Beyond Installations: View public sculptures and digital works around the venue.
- Talks and Forums: Join discussions on contemporary art and market trends.
- Award Exhibitions: See works by Porsche Young Chinese Artist nominees .
Ticket Information
- General Admission: Approximately RMB 150?200, available via art021.org .
- VIP Preview Pass: Around RMB 1,000 for exclusive access on November 13?14.
- Concessions: Discounts for students (RMB 100); free for children under 12.
- Multi-Day Pass: Expected at RMB 350 for unlimited entry across all days.
- Online Booking: Recommended for fast-track entry; cash advised for on-site purchases due to past payment issues.
- Group Rates: Contact vip@art021.org for group discounts and VIP perks .
Getting There
- Location: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, a neoclassical landmark at 1000 Middle Yan?an Road, centrally located in Jing?an .
- By Metro: Take Line 2 or 7 to Jing?an Temple Station, then walk 5 minutes to the venue.
- By Bus: Routes 20, 71, or 127 stop at Yan?an Middle Road, a 3-minute walk away.
- By Train: From Shanghai Railway Station, take Metro Line 1 to Line 2 (15 minutes total).
- By Car: Drive via Yan?an Road; limited paid parking (RMB 20/hour) available nearby.
- From Pudong International Airport: Take Metro Line 2 (50 minutes) or a taxi (RMB 150?200, 40 minutes).
- Accessibility: Ramps and elevators ensure inclusivity; contact organizers for special needs.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Use Mobike or city bikes from Jing?an Temple for a green approach.
- Parking Tips: Pre-book parking via the fair?s app or arrive early to secure spots.
- Navigation: Use the ARapp or Google Maps for precise directions to the main entrance .
History
- ARShanghai Contemporary Art Fair launched in 2013 as a key project of the Shanghai International Arts Festival, aiming to elevate Chinese contemporary art .
- The inaugural edition at Shanghai Exhibition Centre featured 29 galleries and drew 10,000 visitors, setting a strong foundation.
- By 2015, it expanded to 4 galleries from 1 countries, showcasing over 10,000 artworks.
- In 2016, the fair introduced Main Galleries, APPROACH, and Beyond sections to diversify its offerings.
- The 201 edition launched Jingart Beijing, expanding ARGroup?s regional influence.
- In 2020, virtual galleries were introduced to navigate global challenges, ensuring accessibility.
- The 2021 DnA Shenzhen fair marked further growth, though later paused for Hong Kong expansion.
- The 2022 edition faced challenges but rebounded in 2023 with 150 galleries and 0,000 visitors.
- In 2024, ARHong Kong debuted, emphasizing Global South artists across multiple venues.
- The 2024 Shanghai fair featured 131 galleries, with strong sales despite economic headwinds.
- The Detour section, launched in 2021, has consistently highlighted Asian and diasporic artists.
- Partnerships with Porsche China and Dior have supported awards like the Porsche Young Chinese Artist since 2019.
- ARhas driven Shanghai?s rise as Asia?s art trading hub, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
- The 2025 edition promises to build on this legacy with innovative curation and global reach .
Mission
- AR?s mission is to create a global platform for contemporary art, deeply rooted in Shanghai?s vibrant cultural scene .
- It aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue, connecting Eastern and Western art markets through diverse exhibitions.
- By supporting emerging artists via sections like APPROACH and awards, the fair nurtures new talent.
- The event seeks to elevate the reputation of Chinese contemporary art while cultivating local collectors.
- It embraces inclusivity, spotlighting voices from Asia and the Global South for broader representation.
- ARstrives to redefine the art fair model, integrating digital innovation, fashion, and cultural collaborations .
Tips for Visitors
- Book tickets early via art021.org to secure VIP preview access and discounts .
- Arrive early on November 13 for less crowded viewing during VIP days.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the 10,000 sqm exhibition halls.
- Use the ARapp for real-time schedules, maps, and artist profiles.
- Start with Detour for unique Asian perspectives, then explore Main Galleries.
- Stay hydrated at on-site cafes offering local tea and snacks.
- Engage with gallerists for insights into artworks and market trends.
- Respect no-touch and no-flash photography rules to protect exhibits.
- Bring kids for free entry (under 12) and family-friendly activities.
- Combine with visits to Power Station of Art during Shanghai Art Week .
- Use metro to avoid parking challenges in busy Jing?an district.
- Attend talks for expert commentary on global art movements.
- Network at VIP events for collector and artist connections.
- Follow up with galleries post-fair for purchase inquiries.
- Check social media (@art021org) for last-minute announcements and surprises .
