ARShanghai Contemporary Art Fair 2026, a cornerstone of Asia?s art scene, transforms the grand Shanghai Exhibition Centre into a vibrant showcase of modern creativity from November 12 to 15, 2026 . As the 14th edition, it brings together over 130 galleries from 20 countries, presenting thousands of works by established and emerging artists across painting, sculpture, video, and digital art. Held in Shanghai?s central Jing?an district, the fair bridges local and global art markets, fostering dynamic exchanges among collectors, curators, and enthusiasts . Visitors can explore curated sections like Main Galleries for blue-chip works, APPROACH for emerging talents, and Detour for Asian and diasporic perspectives, alongside immersive public installations. Coinciding with Shanghai Art Week, it amplifies the city?s cultural energy with concurrent exhibitions at venues like the Power Station of Art. Known for its inclusive yet high-quality curation, ARattracts over 60,000 attendees annually, driving significant sales and international attention. The 2026 edition emphasizes innovation, spotlighting digital art and Global South artists, while maintaining its ?global vision, local roots? ethos. Expect engaging talks, performances, and a bustling atmosphere that cements Shanghai?s status as a global art hub .
Quick Facts
- Dates: November 12?15, 2026, with VIP Preview on November 12?13 .
- 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, reflecting global appeal.
- Presented By: Partners including Porsche China, Dior, and Hennessy, enhancing prestige.
Highlights
- Detour Section: Curates Asian and diasporic artists, spotlighting diverse narratives .
- Porsche Young Chinese Artist Award: Recognizes emerging talents with exhibitions and prizes.
- Beyond Public Projects: Features large-scale installations outside the venue, free to the public.
- Art Talks: Hosts panels with curators and artists on global art trends .
- Collaborative Events: Includes fashion and design crossovers with brands like Dior.
- APPROACH Section: Showcases solo or small group shows by young galleries .
Organizer
- ARGroup, founded in 2013, orchestrates the fair with expertise in global art platforms .
- Led by Kylie Ying, Bao Yifeng, and David Chau, the team also manages ARHong Kong and Jingart Beijing.
- A rigorous selection process ensures high-quality galleries, with 20% new participants annually.
- Partnerships with Porsche China and Christie?s elevate the fair?s international stature.
What to Attend
- Main Galleries: Explore masterpieces from leading galleries like David Zwirner and White Cube .
- Detour Section: Discover works by Asian and Global South artists, curated for impact.
- APPROACH Booths: Engage with emerging talents in solo or curated group shows .
- Beyond Installations: View public sculptures and digital works around the venue.
- Talks and Forums: Join discussions on art markets and cultural 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 12?13.
- 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 and early bird deals.
- 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; paid parking (RMB 20/hour) available, but limited.
- 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 .
- Its inaugural edition at Shanghai Exhibition Centre featured 29 galleries and drew 10,000 visitors.
- By 2015, it expanded to 4 galleries from 1 countries, showcasing 10,000 artworks.
- In 2016, the fair introduced Main Galleries, APPROACH, and Beyond sections, enhancing diversity.
- The 201 edition launched Jingart Beijing, expanding ARGroup?s regional influence.
- In 2020, virtual galleries were added to navigate global challenges, maintaining accessibility.
- The 2021 DnA Shenzhen fair marked ARGroup?s growth, though later paused for Hong Kong expansion.
- The 2023 edition, with 150 galleries, was the largest yet, attracting 0,000 visitors.
- In 2024, ARHong Kong debuted, emphasizing Global South artists and multi-venue formats.
- The 2024 Shanghai fair featured 131 galleries, with strong sales despite economic challenges.
- The Detour section, introduced in 2021, has spotlighted Asian and diasporic artists annually.
- Partnerships with Porsche and Dior have supported awards and cultural programs since 2019.
- The fair has driven Shanghai?s rise as Asia?s art trading hub, per Vision 2030 goals.
- The 2026 edition builds on this legacy, promising innovative curation and global reach .
Mission
- AR?s mission is to foster a global platform for contemporary art, rooted in Shanghai?s vibrant cultural scene .
- It aims to bridge Eastern and Western art markets, promoting dialogue among galleries, artists, and collectors.
- By nurturing emerging talents through sections like APPROACH, the fair supports the next generation of creatives.
- The event strives to elevate Chinese contemporary art?s global reputation while cultivating local collectors.
- It embraces inclusivity, showcasing diverse voices from Asia and the Global South.
- ARseeks to redefine the art fair model, integrating cultural, fashion, and digital collaborations .
Tips for Visitors
- Book tickets early via art021.org to secure VIP preview access and discounts .
- Arrive early on November 12 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 and diasporic perspectives, then visit 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 hassles 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 .
