Dear All.
Dear Kira Marie Peter-Hansen and Jens Galschiøt,
Thank you for your note and please excuse the delay in coming back to you. Please find below a statement from Art Basel in response to your question. Should you wish to allude to this statement during your event, we kindly ask that it is read out in full, to ensure our views are accurately represented.
Statement from Art Basel:
"Art Basel Hong Kong plays a vital role for galleries, collectors, institutions and the broader arts ecosystem in the city and the wider region. The Hong Kong art scene has grown exponentially since our arrival in 2013 – from the opening of new museums such as M+ to a vibrant mixture of commercial and non-profit galleries, auction houses and artist-run spaces – and our show has become a focal point for the city's arts community. Today, Hong Kong has an unrivalled position as a cultural hub in the heart of Asia, with a strong local arts scene and a general public with a keen and growing interest in the arts.
We have never faced any censorship issues at our shows, nor have we been asked to do anything differently since the introduction of the National Security Law. As with all Art Basel shows, our Selection Committee is responsible for reviewing applications and selects galleries solely based on the quality of their booth proposal.
We are committed to Hong Kong's vibrant cultural community, and to continuing to provide a platform for the vital exchanges and conversations around art for which Art Basel is renowned."
Thank you again for extending an invitation to Art Basel.
With our very best regards,
Maria Marques
Global Head of Content and Communications, Art Basel
From: PETER-HANSEN Kira Marie <kira.peter-hansen@europarl.europa.eu>
Sent: Donnerstag, 7. März 2024 12:50
To: press@artbasel.com; info@messe <info@mch-group.com>
Subject: RE: Invitation for a debate at the EU Parliament on March 20th from 11:00 to 13:00, Political Art Censorship in China and Hong Kong
You don't often get email from kira.peter-hansen@europarl.europa.eu. Learn why this is important
Dear Art Basel,
Thank you very much for your response. Needless to say, we are disappointed that you cannot participate in this debate.
We have a concept of leaving empty chairs at the meeting for those, who have been invited but cannot or will not attend. We will place an "Empty Chair" at the Art Basel meeting and disclose to the attendees your reasons for not being able to participate.
We appreciate that you believe we have assembled a relevant panel and welcome discussions on continuing to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an art market hub. However, we would like to correct one point: we are concerned about how the Hong Kong art market is developing, as we believe it is not strengthened but rather weakened by extensive self-censorship in the art market.
We agree that Art Basel is a very important and active member of the Hong Kong art community. It sounds fantastic if Art Basel is committed to continuing to promote international cultural exchange in the city and delivering a successful event for galleries, artists, collectors, partners, and the broader arts ecosystem.
Does this commitment mean that Art Basel can declare that they will not participate in or contribute to the censorship of China-critical art at their upcoming exhibition in Hong Kong, and that they will publicly announce this position? This would be an important signal to send to participants at Art Basel Hong Kong, ensuring that no galleries or other participants in Art Basel feel compelled to self-censor China-critical artworks.
We would greatly appreciate reading out such a statement at our meeting in the EU Parliament.
Best regards,
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen and co-organizer Jens Galschiøt
From: press@artbasel.com <press@artbasel.com>
Sent: 06 March 2024 14:14
To: PETER-HANSEN Kira Marie <kira.peter-hansen@europarl.europa.eu>; info@messe <info@mch-group.com>
Subject: Re: Invitation for a debate at the EU Parliament on March 20th from 11:00 to 13:00, Political Art Censorship in China and Hong Kong
Dear Kira Marie,
We trust this message finds you well.
Thank you for the invitation to participate in the upcoming panel discussion about Hong Kong's art market.
After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we must decline the invitation. The proximity of the upcoming edition of Art Basel Hong Kong, taking place from March 28 to 30, 2024, demands our team's full attention and engagement and on-site presence in the lead-up.
We appreciate to be considered for this relevant panel and welcome discussions on continuing to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an art market hub. As an active member of the Hong Kong art community, we are committed to continuing to promote international cultural exchange in the city and delivering a successful event for galleries, artists, collectors, partners, and the broader arts ecosystem.
We wish you a successful panel and hope that it sparks insightful and constructive discussions.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Isabelle Becker
Communications Associate, Art Basel
From: PETER-HANSEN Kira Marie <kira.peter-hansen@europarl.europa.eu>
Sent: 21 February 2024 2:07 PM
To: info@messe <info@mch-group.com>; press@artbasel.com <press@artbasel.com>
Subject: Invitation for a debate at the EU Parliament on March 20th from 11:00 to 13:00, Political Art Censorship in China and Hong Kong
You don't often get email from kira.peter-hansen@europarl.europa.eu. Learn why this is important
Dear Art Basel,
We are pleased to invite you for a debate at the EU Parliament on March 20th, from 11:00 to 13:00.
The discussion will focus on art censorship in Hong Kong, and we will be addressing the responsibility of Western companies operating in Hong Kong.
We have invited a diverse panel, including art critics, artists, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), market experts, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to contribute their perspectives, and we believe your input is crucial to getting the full understanding and to comprehend the dilemmas faced by the art market.
You will find a full programme and an official invitation letter attached.
I hereby, invite you to register participating by clicking on this REGISTRATION EP . You will need to submit your registration and be accredited by the European Parliament in order to enter the buildings on the days of the event.
Thank you very much for considering this invitation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best regards,
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen
MEP in European Parliament, SF in the Greens/EFA
+32 (0) 2 284 5684
ASP 09G154, 60 Rue Wiertz B-1047 Bruxelles, Belgium
China Mission to the EU - Response to the exhibition
March 18, 2024
Dear MEP Kira Marie PETER-HANSEN,
I have just learned that you will be holding an exhibition on Hong Kong outside the European Parliament, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my concern and provide you with some background knowledge.
The works to be exhibited was made by an anti-China artist who has long been smearing and attacking the Chinese system. The "Pillar of Shame" is a work of hostility towards China, made with ill intentions. It is not an art work in real sense, and its prototype was already demolished in 2021 in response to a petition signed by Hong Kong citizens. In this context, holding such an exhibition runs counter to the original mission of MEPs to promote friendly exchanges between China and the EU. It will also damage the image of yourself and the European Parliament in the eyes of 1.4 billion Chinese people.
The fact is that Hong Kong, during its British colonial rule for more than 150 years, had no democracy at all. The British directly appointed the Governor to govern Hong Kong on behalf of the United Kingdom, with overall executive and legislative powers. Ever since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the Chinese government has followed the principle of “one country, two systems”, and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong”. The enactment of the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong has provided a solid guarantee for the development of democracy in Hong Kong.
Since NSL’s implementation in the last three years, Hong Kong society has been back on the right track, restoring law and order, as well as prosperity. While preventing and punishing acts endangering national security in accordance with the law, the government effectively protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens. The principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” has taken root, and people are focused on seeking development and making new progress.
Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. We welcome all opinions and suggestions that are conducive to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. But we firmly oppose external interference in the name of democracy. I call on you to respect China's sovereignty and the feelings of the Chinese people as an MEP, and learn more about the prosperity and development of Hong Kong since its return, so as to see things more comprehensively and objectively. I encourage you to promote China-EU friendship and the sound and steady development of our relations. Let me say that you are welcome to visit Hong Kong at your convenience. And I am sure you will see a different Hong Kong.
With regards
Ms. Yue Yanghua
Minister Counselor of China Mission to the EU
Embassy of China in Belgium - Response to invitation
Dear Ms. Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Mr. Jens Galschiøt,
Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the Chinese Government has fully, faithfully and resolutely implemented the principles of One Country, Two Systems and Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. One Country, Two Systems has been a success in Hong Kong, which is widely recognized. With the implementation of the National Security Law, the rule of law and business environment in Hong Kong has been improved, and the society more stable and united. Hong Kong has moved toward greater stability and prosperity with stronger vigor and vitality. The lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, such as the freedom of speech, press and association, have been better protected in a safer environment.
Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs, which brooks no external interference. China remains firmly resolved in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests, in implementing One Country, Two Systems, and in opposing interference in Hong Kong affairs by any external forces. The so-called exhibition and debate are nothing but political maneuvering to grossly interfere in China’s domestic affairs under the pretext of democracy and human rights. The Chinese Embassy thus expresses its firm opposition and condemnation.
If someone truly cares about democracy and human rights, he/she will not turn a blind eye to the riots and violence happened in Hong Kong, will not fete those who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilize Hong Kong, and will not gnash teeth about Hong Kong restoring order. We urge the relevant people to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, and do more things that will contribute to mutual understanding and cooperation between China and the EU.
Embassy of China in Belgium
