The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or Museum) is pleased to announce its inaugural Chinese Object Study Training Programme (the Programme), scheduled to take place from 2024 to 2026. With the support of the Hong Kong-based charity the Susan Chen Foundation (the Foundation) as Lead Sponsor, the Programme is a testimony to the Museum’s commitment to promoting the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture by fostering a new generation of art and object specialists in Greater China area.
Under the three-year programme, the Museum will offer two one-week-long masterclass-style workshops annually. For each workshop, ten graduate students from the Greater China Area will be selected as trainees, and five leading experts from universities and museums around the world will be selected as trainers to work with the trainees on a group of objects in an immersive and intimate museum setting. A special topic in Chinese art will be taught through discussion, analysis and practical training. The object-based Programme will help students develop critical skills for object handling and in-depth knowledge on conservation, collection and other topics that are not often taught in art history courses in universities.
The Programme is open to graduate students majoring in art history, history, archaeology, conservation or other relevant fields, aiming to benefit 60 graduates in the course of three years. Its impact will be expanded through engagement programmes designed for the public as well as underprivileged groups and people with special needs.
Mark Hardy, Chairman of the Susan Chen Foundation, said, “Susan Chen was renowned for the generous way in which she mentored students and young professionals and invited them to handle and learn from her exquisite collection of Chinese objects. The Susan Chen Foundation is proud to be collaborating with such an esteemed institution as The Hong Kong Palace Museum to deliver this innovative programme that represents a rare and valuable hands-on learning opportunity that is consistent with Susan’s mentorship and our Foundation’s mission.”
Mark Hardy, Chairman of the Susan Chen Foundation, said, “Susan Chen was renowned for the generous way in which she mentored students and young professionals and invited them to handle and learn from her exquisite collection of Chinese objects. The Susan Chen Foundation is proud to be collaborating with such an esteemed institution as The Hong Kong Palace Museum to deliver this innovative programme that represents a rare and valuable hands-on learning opportunity that is consistent with Susan’s mentorship and our Foundation’s mission.”
Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM, said, “We share a common vision with the Susan Chen Foundation to promote Chinese culture through nurturing young talents who aspire to pursue a career in museums or other art and cultural institutions. Through the programme, the graduate trainees can equip themselves with essential skills and knowledge as future museum and academic leaders in the field of Chinese art and culture. This programme will contribute to our effort to make Hong Kong a hub for art and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.”
More details regarding the Chinese Object Study Training Programme will be announced in due course.
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to be a leading cultural institution committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue among world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust made a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.
Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum offers a Hong Kong perspective and a global vision, presenting the finest objects from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum will build international partnerships and help position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the community of Hong Kong, the Museum will inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the Susan Chen Foundation
The Susan Chen Foundation is a Hong Kong-based charity that aims to bring the wonder of Chinese Art to the Hong Kong community and further afield, and to support education, research, innovation and careers in the world of Chinese art and art history, thereby also supporting Hong Kong’s position as a major cultural hub. The Foundation also seeks to help disadvantaged Hong Kong youngsters in their upbringing and studies, including supporting child welfare initiatives. Established in 2022, the Foundation pursues its mission through partnerships with leading organisations in related fields in Hong Kong. Through its mission, the Foundation seeks to perpetuate the cultural interest and philanthropic objectives demonstrated quietly by the much loved and respected art dealer Susan Chen during her life.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on 40 hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, the West Kowloon Cultural District will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing 23 hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westkowloon.hk/
