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But Cheung noted that while the
Many netizens bought artworks in online mode boosts flexibility, it is
hardly sustainable or scalable.
support of the artists, but not in ap- “As there is no cost for sharing or

preciation of their works. So artists liking, netizens are more willing to
like or share than buying their works,”
cannot secure continuous income Cheung says.
“Many netizens bought artworks
from online platforms. to support the artists, but not in ap-
preciation of their works. So artists
cannot secure continuous income
from online platforms,” she explains.
Cheung suggests that artists im-
prove administrative and executive
skills, such as writing themselves an
attractive bibliography. She points out
while most foreign artists have a bib-
liography, only around 10 per cent of
local, non-commercial artists that she
knows has one.

A Poor Substitute
While both artists and art organi-
sations actively adapt to the virtual
realm, Teresa Kwong Pui-see, Pro-
gramme Director at Hong Kong Arts
Centre, says online mode cannot re-
place physical events for artistic ex-
Art in the Field, a local non-profit art organisation, launched changes.
the Takeaway Art project in December 2020. Kwong was initially surprised by
(Photo courtesy of Art in the Field) audiences’ active participation dur-
ing the first online workshop under
bitions and networking events, art or- are many uncertainties with art takea- the Cultural Masseurs Programme in
ganisations also innovate by pushing way, such as the content and venue,” November 2020, as physical ones were
for digital transformation of art sales. he says. cancelled under the pandemic.
‘Art in the Field’, a local non-profit Although more preparation is The programme was designed to
art organisation, launched a Takeaway needed, he hopes that Takeaway Art bring art into lives via guided tours,
Art project in December 2020. can attract artists to employ different talks, workshops, internship and ap-
“Shutdown of venues made us re- art mediums. prenticeship, as well as the process of
think the possibility of art under the Apart from hosting art events on- art-making.
pandemic,” Roy Wong Chung-him, line, May Cheung Yuet-ming, chair- “Since audiences now cannot reach
programme coordinator of Art in the man of Innovative Media Art Associa- out to others physically, they have
Field, says. tion, says many local artists put their a strong desire to collaborate, com-
Under the project, the team pro- works up for sale on online platforms. municate and express themselves,”
vides administrative service while art- Online sales of artworks world- Kwong says. “So when opportunities
ists arrange transactions with buyers wide accounted for 37 per cent of total for group work come, they are very
by themselves. sales in the first half of 2020, a huge keen to show great willingness in par-
“We used to work in physical ven- jump from 10 per cent in 2019, ac- ticipating,” she adds.
ues that are more controllable and cording to a report co-published by Kwong later finds that online
familiar to us,” Wong recalls. “There UBS and Art Basel. workshops are not an ideal substitute