The newly opened Art Tower is a multifunctional center for the exhibition, storage and trade of artworks. CHINA DAILY

"People are eager to explore and buy art after a spring and summer full of anxiety and uncertainty," says Hidenori Ota, founder of Ota Fine Arts from Tokyo, one of the galleries participating in the upcoming expo.

"Some of the rules in the art world have changed. I believe collectors will return to the art market with a new vision and stronger initiatives."

Another art dealer, Liu Tao, founder of the Deyutang Gallery, also expresses confidence in the vision and strength of Chinese collectors.

"I believe much of the momentum held back by the pandemic will be released in Shanghai by the end of this year," Liu says.

The West Bund Art& Design Expo will also collaborate with about 20 partners to introduce special projects that will take place in 40 art museums and other institutions in the city.

The new Art Tower is the first project in China by the SANAA architecture studio, which is led by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. The 93,000-square-meter project consists of a cluster of seven structures and boasts international standards for the storage, display and shipment of artworks.

An online platform for the display and trade of artworks has been introduced at the tower to allow art industries around the world to communicate and trade despite the restrictions on international travel.