Christie’s Education Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Arts

Jointly Launch Contemporary Asian Art Seminar Program in July

Hong Kong –The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Arts and Christie’s Education Hong Kong are pleased to announce the inaugural five-day seminar program titled Contemporary Asian Art: An Insider’s View, set to launch from 6^th – 10^th July 2016.  Jointly taught and organized, this new initiative, leveraging the expertise of the two institutions, focuses on modern and contemporary art in Asia, in particular China, Japan and India. The art historical portion of the program is conceived and delivered by the world-class faculty at the Fine Arts Department of the University of Hong Kong, while the market-related portion is developed by Christie’s Education.

This unprecedented academic collaboration is launched in response to increasing interest from people who wish to understand how the rapidly-growing art industry works and to explore career options in the art world, from galleries and auctions in the commercial side, to museums and independent art spaces on the institutional side.

The five-day program will combine art seminars with visits to various places including artists’ studios, galleries, Christie’s and museums, and conversations with art professionals. The final day is devoted to discussions and networking with experts, where attendees will benefit from hearing insiders’ views on contemporary Asian art.

Besides faculty members from the University’s Fine Arts Department and experts from Christie's, the program's speakers include key figures who have played – and continue to play – a pivotal role in shaping the art and cultural landscape in Asia.

Among those contributing to the program is former Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang, GBM, GBS, JP, who served as Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority from 2008 to 2011. "Hong Kong is now one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing art centers in the world, and the city presents fantastic learning opportunities for those who are interested in pursuing their passion in this field. I have every belief that art and culture will continue to grow and flourish in Asia, especially in Hong Kong."

François Curiel, Chairman, Christie’s Asia Pacific, “In recent years we have seen an incredible boom in the industry of contemporary art, with phenomenal growth in galleries, art fairs, independent art spaces and auctions, resulting in a rich and exciting field from which we can draw upon for spaces and sources of learning. This innovative collaboration with the University of Hong Kong exemplifies our commitment to cultivating public interest in art, and in nurturing talents for those interested in pursuing a career in the industry.”

Elaine Kwok, Director, Christie’s Education Asia, “Combining the expertise, academic excellence, strong reputation, and broad networks of Christie’s Education and the University of Hong Kong, this new program is designed to provide a solid foundation for our attendees, so that they can understand some of the key contemporary artists in Asia, the importance of the market as a platform for contemporary art, and how mega-art events and institutions of contemporary art have the power to shift cultural landscapes.”

Derek Collins, Dean, Faculty of Arts, The University of Hong Kong, “There has been enormous growth in the number of museums, galleries and art fairs in Hong Kong and China in recent years. Hong Kong is currently one of the top three art auction markets in the world and one of three locations for the world's leading art fair, Art Basel. Several cutting-edge venues showcasing contemporary art from the Asian region and beyond are scheduled to open before 2020. This is an exciting time for visual art in Hong Kong and this timely collaboration leverages the strengths of two institutions that are key to connecting academic excellence in art history with unique insight into the complexities of the commercial art world.”

Yeewan Koon, Associate Professor, Fine Arts Department, The University of Hong Kong, “This innovative program provides participants with invaluable insights into the world of contemporary Asian art and how it is reviewed, displayed and sold in Hong Kong. It offers both an historical introduction to some of the most significant artists and art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries and an exclusive opportunity to engage with the museum directors, curators, collectors and auctioneers who help shape our city's cultural landscape.”

Please visit http://arts.hku.hk/events/christiesprogram or www.christies.edu/hku for full program information. Registration is open.

More information on the program can also be found in the Appendix.

About Christie’s Education

Christie’s Education Asia, with Hong Kong as its headquarter, offers short courses to art enthusiasts, professionals, practitioners, and collectors throughout the year. With rich resources from Christie’s, art institutions, and universities, Christie’s Education Asia brings engaging courses covering extensive topics including Chinese Works of Art, Asian Contemporary Art, Art & Law, Global Art Business, to audiences in Asia and beyond.

About the Department of Fine Arts

The Department of Fine Arts at the University of Hong Kong offers the most comprehensive art history training to be found in Hong Kong or China as a whole, teaching Asian and Western art as equally valued traditions up to doctoral level. The Department's teachers are internationally-renowned experts and active researchers who have contributed to making the Department a centre of art historical excellence in Hong Kong and globally. Founded in 1912, the Faculty of Arts was ranked first in Asia in Arts and Humanities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015-2016.

Appendix - Program Outline

Wednesday 6^th July – Creating the Modern

The program begins by looking at what was “modern art” in the early 20^th century. We will examine the writings of British artist and critic Roger Fry (1866-1934), who linked the aesthetics of Chinese art with that of Modernism in Britain. We will also look at Chinese artists, who lived and worked abroad but embraced different aspects of European art. The afternoon seminar discusses how in the absence of official patronage, artists had to look for different places to display and market their work.  We will also hear from Edouard Malingue – his father was the dealer for some of the greatest masters of European modernity, while Edouard has set up his own gallery for international artists working today.

• Course Introduction
• Writing: Roger Fry and China
• Image: China looking at the West
• Creating an Audience for Modern Art
• Two Generations of Art Dealing @ Edouard Malingue gallery

Thursday 7^th July – Contemporary Artists in Asia

On day two, we look at examples of key artists working in Asia today, in particular artists from China, Japan, India, as well as local artists in Hong Kong. Questions discussed include what makes an artist important, what is unique about contemporary art, and the different media through which artists engage. We will visit artist studios in Hong Kong, and hear firsthand from artists about their ideas, methods, and practice.

• 5 Japanese artists
• 5 Indian artists
• 5 Chinese artists
• 5 Hong Kong artists
• Visit to Artist Studios @ Fotan

Friday 8^th July – Contemporary Art Markets

Day three is about how the market shapes our understanding of contemporary art. We begin by looking at the different roles within the art industry – dealer, critic, art fair, auction house, collector, and museum – as well as the relationship between these roles. Then, François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Asia Pacific and a 47-year auction veteran will analyze the different attributes that determine the value of a work of art. We will learn about how auctions work, engage in a mock auction, and visit some of the top art galleries in Central.

• Mapping the World of Contemporary Art
• What Makes Art Valuable?
• Mock Auction Challenge @ Christie’s
• Central Gallery Tours

Saturday 9^th July – Art & Place Identity

The fourth day is about how a nation or a city’s arts scene can shape its identity. First, we examine mega-events, such as Biennales and Art Fairs, which have the power of attracting visitors from all over the world to the host city.  Then, we discuss the role of museums, and how to make such institutions relevant to local, regional, and international audiences.  We hope to also hear from someone in the Hong Kong government, to better understand the city’s motivations and ambitions in developing its cultural landscape. A visit to the Asia Society concludes the day’s program, where we will hear from the Executive Director and tour the current exhibition.

•  What is a Biennale?
• The Making of a Fair
• A Museum for Today
• Development of Hong Kong’s Cultural Landscape
• Visit to Shahzia Sikander @ Asia Society

Sunday 10^th July – Paths of Passion

The program concludes with a series of case studies on different ways to pursue a passion in the arts. There will be a discussion with young people who are starting careers in different areas of the art world, offering perspectives from both the commercial and academic sectors. We will also hear from people who engage with the arts in other ways, whether through consulting by leveraging relevant expertise, or being an art collector, and supporting artists and institutions through patronage. We finish with a networking brunch, where participants can have the opportunity to chat with select speakers and others working within the industry.

• Panel Discussion: How to Start a Career in the Art World?
• Working Art into your Career
• Conversation with a Collector
• Networking Brunch

Seminars, discussions, and program materials will be in English.

Program details are subject to change. Please visit http://arts.hku.hk/events/christiesprogram or www.christies.edu/hku for full program information.

Letter of attendance will be issued to participants who attend all sessions.

Price

Regular: HK$22,000

HKU student, alum, or Friend of UMAG: HK$21,000

Early bird (payment before 10 June): HK$20,000

Very limited scholarship positions are available. Please contact the Faculty of Arts should you be able to demonstrate need and wish to apply for a scholarship.