For Arts' Sake

Carol Yinghua Lu and Liu Ding were in lockdown in China when they were invited to direct a major art exhibition in Japan. In this episode, the artistic directors of the 8th Yokohama Triennale reveal how they chose nearly 100 artists, why biennales risk becoming spectacles, and what it really takes to curate across cultures.

Josh Yiu, Director of the Art Museum at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), discusses the evolving role of university museums in Hong Kong and beyond. He shares insights on innovative projects like integrating AI with traditional calligraphy, the importance of university museums in academic and public life, and the challenges they face, such as climate change and funding. Discover how university museums are shaping connections between art education and the community.

In this episode, Dar-kuen Wu, Senior Curator at Taiwan's Contemporary Culture Lab (C-Lab), shares his practical approach to blending contemporary art with Taiwanese culture. He discusses his role in managing C-Lab, a government-supported cultural centre, and highlights key projects like the Future Vision Lab. Dar-kuen also talks about significant international collaborations and offers insights into the innovative ways C-Lab combines art and technology.

In our third episode, Leeji Hong, curator at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul, discusses her unique curatorial philosophy, highlights exhibitions like 'Game Society' and the Hyundai Motor Series, and talks about MMCA's innovative digital strategies. Leeji also explores how the museum adapted during the pandemic, developed programs like 'Delivery in Art', and embraced Korea’s mobile-first culture to engage visitors. 

In our second episode, Meggy Cheng, ex-Head of Marketing at M+ Museum in Hong Kong, discusses how she applies her corporate experience to the arts, enhancing how contemporary art is appreciated worldwide. She offers insights into launching a major art institution during a pandemic and the evolution of art marketing in the digital era.

In our opening episode of Season 7, meet Jervais Choo, Deputy Director of Organisational Design and Innovation at Singapore's National Heritage Board and founder of DigiMuse. Explore how his work with digital artists and technologies like AI and VR is changing museum experiences. The discussion includes practical advice for integrating tech into museums, understanding digital innovation's role, the necessity of experimentation, and future directions in museum technology.

In this episode, we chat with Diva Zumaya, assistant curator at LACMA. Join us as we explore her journey at LACMA, where she challenges dominant narratives in European art history, and learn about her deep passion for teamwork in the curatorial process. 

Art can be a transformative force for good, as Harriet Body shows us on this episode of For Arts' Sake. As an Australian artist who uses the arts to create inclusive spaces and promote mental wellbeing, Harriet shares her inspiring work and discusses the impact of the arts on individuals and communities.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Sadiah Boonstra, a Jakarta-based curator, researcher, and advocate for decolonial practices in the museum world. With experience working at cultural institutions around the world, Dr. Boonstra will discuss the importance of preserving cultural heritage, engaging with diverse communities, and challenging dominant narratives in the museum sector.

Join us for the conversation with Helen Hillyard, curator at Dulwich Picture Gallery, as she shares her insights into the world of curation, the importance of making historical collections relevant to contemporary audiences, and creating a dialogue between the past and present.