The Hong Kong International Arts and Antiques Fair (HKIAAF 08), to be staged from 4 to 7 October 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will mark a new milestone in the exciting and robust Hong Kong art scene. With a unique combination of both antiques and contemporary art, this is the first art fair in Hong Kong in more than a decade showcasing a wide range of collecting categories spanning from the Neolithic period through to the present day.Over 80 galleries from Asia, Europe and America will participate in this premier art fair which is expected to capture enormous interest from collectors, connoisseurs and dealers from around the world. HKIAAF is scheduled for the peak art season in Hong Kong, coinciding with Sotheby’s Autumn Auctions to be held in the same venue. The fair is open free of charge to the general public from 11 am to 7 pm each day.This unprecedented fair in Asia is organized by Art & Antique International Fair Ltd following the success of three previous fairs held in 2006 and 2007. HKIAAF is highly regarded in the global art world and aspires to the same level of excellence as TEFAF Maastricht, the world's leading Art and Antiques fair. This year’s fair will be expanded to comprise two sections: Antiques and Contemporary Art, and relocated to the internationally renowned Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. A total of 5,000 square metres will be dedicated to this state-of-the-art exhibition which will be especially designed and installed to create a relaxing and stylish ambiance.Andy Hei, Founder and Director of Art & Antique International Fair, said: “The October fair aims to provide a vibrant new platform in Hong Kong for the art world in Asia and worldwide. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for local and International collectors to congregate in this dynamic city to appreciate and acquire art works of the finest quality and creativity. Hong Kong enjoys a prime position as the centre of the art market in Asia and our fair will reaffirm the vital role it plays in the international marketplace.”Prominent local and international antique galleries will be represented in the fair, including Rossi & Rossi (UK), Carlton Rochell (UK), Asian Art Gallery (UK), Jacqueline Simcox (UK), Danon Gallery (Italy), Kaikodo (USA), M & C Gallery (Hong Kong), Ever Arts Gallery (Hong Kong) and Martin Fung Ltd (Hong Kong), alongside a strong presence of contemporary art galleries such as Goedhuis Contemporary (USA and UK), Sundaram Tagore Gallery (USA), Shinseido-Hatanaka Art Gallery (Japan), CAIS Gallery (Korea), Hanart TZ Gallery (Hong Kong), Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery (Hong Kong) and Grotto Fine Art (Hong Kong).On display will be a wide range of antiques including ancient bronzes, Chinese ceramics and works of art, furniture, textiles and jades. The contemporary section will feature exceptional works by celebrated artists in a diversity of artistic styles and media including paintings, sculpture, installations, photography and mixed media. A major focus will be cutting-edge works by emerging young artists in Asia in response to the current strong international market for Asian contemporary art.The fair also works in close cooperation with the Fine Arts Department and Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Part of the fair proceeds will be donated towards nurturing the future generation of art practitioners and professionals in Hong Kong.