The Art of Conversation
An interactive art experience by Jack Butcher and Starbucks. Art Basel Hong Kong, March 25–29, 2026.
Visitors collected numbered coasters at the booth and three Starbucks stores, then traded until they held all six. A complete set earned a roll. First 750 took home custom resin dice.
A simple moment of chance.
An open invitation to engage.
How it worked
Visitors collected six identical numbered coasters from the booth or selected stores.
They traded with strangers until they held all six numbers. Every trade was a conversation.
A full set went back to Silk Art House, Booth Z09, to play. First 750 received a custom resin set based on the roll. HKD690 / USD88 per play.
A sterling‑silver set—priced at USD 8,888—was available on‑site as a statement piece from the installation.
The value isn’t the object.
The object is a reminder of the value of connection.
When and where? +
Art Basel Hong Kong: March 25–29, 2026
VIP preview: March 25–26 (invitation only)
Public days: March 27–29
The activation happened at:
1. Art Basel Zero 10 – Booth Z09 – SILK Art House | Jack Butcher
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
2. Selected Starbucks stores:
What if you couldn’t go to Art Basel? +
Redemption was onsite, March 25–29. Coasters were yours to keep or pass along.
The dice were redeemed in the moment. The connection stays.
Could you get coasters at Starbucks? +
Yes. Selected stores distributed a set with any handcrafted beverage during Art Basel week, March 25–29, 2026.
Quantities were limited.
Who created this? +
Starbucks partnered with Jack Butcher—founder of Visualize Value—on The Art of Conversation at Art Basel Hong Kong.
What’s the story behind this? +
This was part of Work, Luck, Play at Art Basel Hong Kong 2026—three pieces on effort, uncertainty, and connection.
A randomly assigned coaster became a reason to talk to a stranger.
More on the three works here.
Terms and conditions +
PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY.
By participating in The Art of Conversation campaign (“Campaign”), customers agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
1. Campaign Overview
1.1 The Art of Conversation campaign (“Campaign”) is organized and administered by Starbucks Coffee Company (“Company”) in collaboration with Coffee Concepts (Hong Kong) Limited (“Starbucks Hong Kong”). Company and Starbucks Hong Kong shall hereinafter be referred to as “Starbucks”.
1.2 During the Campaign Period, eligible customers who make a qualifying purchase of at least one (1) handcrafted beverage at a participating Starbucks Hong Kong store will receive one (1) collectible coaster (“Collectible”) from a series of six (6) unique designs (“Set”), while supplies last.
1.3 Customers who collect the complete Set of six (6) Collectibles may redeem them for one (1) roll of dice to obtain a collectible artwork (“Gift”) at Art Basel Hong Kong, ZERO10 curated space.
1.4 Admission to Art Basel or any third‑party venue requires a separately purchased ticket. Venue admission fees are not included in this Campaign.
2. Campaign Period
2.1 The Campaign runs from 24 March 2026 to 29 March 2026 or until all Collectibles are fully distributed, whichever occurs first. Gifts may be redeemed until 29 March 2026.
2.2 Starbucks may, at any time and without prior notice or liability, extend, shorten, suspend, amend, or terminate the Campaign for any reason, including operational requirements or supply constraints.
3. Eligibility
3.1 The Campaign is open to customers who purchase at least one (1) handcrafted beverage at participating Starbucks Hong Kong stores during the Campaign Period.
3.2 The Campaign is intended for personal, non‑commercial participation only.
3.3 Starbucks may refuse participation by individuals suspected of bulk purchasing, commercial resale, or any activity inconsistent with the intent of the Campaign.
4. Collection Mechanics
4.1 Customers will receive one (1) Collectible per qualifying transaction that includes at least one (1) handcrafted beverage.
4.2 Collectibles are issued randomly and cannot be selected, exchanged, replaced, or returned.
4.3 Lost, stolen, or damaged Collectibles will not be replaced under any circumstances.
4.4 Collectibles have no cash value, are not legal tender, and may not be sold, resold, auctioned, exchanged for monetary consideration, or used for any commercial purpose.
5. Redemption Mechanics
5.1 To redeem a Gift, customers must present:
(a) all six (6) original Collectibles in their physical form; and
(b) a valid admission ticket for entry into the redemption venue (if required by the venue).
5.2 Starbucks may request proof of identity, proof of purchase, or other verification to confirm eligibility.
5.3 Redemption is strictly subject to availability. Gifts are distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis while stocks last.
5.4 Photocopies, reproductions, digital images, or damaged Collectibles will not be accepted.
5.5 Each complete Set may be redeemed one (1) time only. All Collectibles submitted for redemption will be retained by Starbucks and will not be returned.
5.6 Starbucks may refuse redemption if fraud, tampering, irregular acquisition, or any suspicious activity is suspected.
5.7 Each customer is limited to one (1) Gift, regardless of how many Sets the customer may have collected. Identification may be required to enforce this limit.
5.8 Gifts are non‑exchangeable, non‑refundable, and cannot be redeemed for cash, credit, or other items.
6. Limited Quantities
6.1 Collectibles and Gifts are available in limited quantities only.
6.2 Starbucks makes no representation or guarantee that customers will successfully collect a full Set or redeem a Gift.
6.3 Once stock is depleted, no additional supply will be provided.
6.4 No reservations, rainchecks, substitutions, or special arrangements will be offered.
7. Fraud, Abuse & Disqualification
7.1 Starbucks may disqualify any participant who:
(a) tampers with or manipulates the Campaign mechanics;
(b) engages in fraudulent, dishonest, or abusive behavior;
(c) violates these Terms & Conditions; or
(d) acts in a manner inconsistent with the spirit of the Campaign.
7.2 Disqualification decisions are final and binding.
7.3 Starbucks may, where appropriate, refuse service, cancel redemptions, or bar individuals from future promotions.
8. Liability & Disclaimers
8.1 To the maximum extent permitted under Hong Kong law, Starbucks is not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or expense arising from: participation in the Campaign; inability to obtain Collectibles or Gifts; use or misuse of Collectibles or Gifts; changes to or cancellation of the Campaign; third‑party venue actions, capacity limitations, delays, or closures.
8.2 Collectibles and Gifts are provided on an “as‑is” basis without warranties of any kind.
8.3 Entry to third‑party venues is subject to the venue operator’s rules, terms, privacy policy, and safety requirements.
8.4 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded under Hong Kong law.
9. Personal Data
9.1 Any personal data collected for the purposes of this Campaign will be processed in accordance with Starbucks’ Privacy Policy.
9.2 The Company may use personal data for verification, administration of the Campaign, fraud prevention, and compliance with applicable laws.
9.3 Personal data provided directly to third‑party venues is subject to those venues’ own privacy practices.
10. Amendments
10.1 Starbucks may revise, update, or amend these Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notice.
10.2 Any updated terms will take effect upon publication through Starbucks’ official channels.
11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
11.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong SAR.
11.2 Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Campaign will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong SAR.