Cheng-Lan Foundation: A New Cultural Hub in Hong Kong

The Cheng-Lan Foundation, co-founded by Brian Yue and Claire Bi, aims to create an inclusive cultural space in Hong Kong that prioritizes community engagement and intercultural dialogue. Yue and Bi's backgrounds in art and education significantly shape the foundation's ethos. Bi, who founded a secondary boarding school integrating art into various disciplines, believes that art should be accessible to everyone. Yue's upbringing in a culturally rich environment and his academic pursuits in architecture and art history inform his commitment to public engagement in the arts.

New York Observer

Cheng-Lan’s Corner is designed to host a variety of artistic presentations, including solo exhibitions and commissioned shows, with a focus on co-producing programs with artists. The inaugural exhibition features Filipino artist Cian Dayrit, whose work addresses themes of colonialism and labor through a blend of historical and contemporary artistic practices. This approach reflects Yue and Bi's commitment to fostering a diverse array of voices rather than promoting a singular narrative.

New York Observer

Yue and Bi emphasize the importance of community involvement in their collecting practices and the foundation's mission. They initiated the Harbor Exchange Fellowship Program to facilitate international artistic exchanges, linking creatives from Hong Kong and London. This initiative exemplifies their desire to build a collaborative art ecosystem, which they believe is essential for the growth of Hong Kong's cultural landscape. The couple is keenly aware of their location's cultural significance, situated in a neighborhood rich with historical and social layers.

New York Observer

The Cheng-Lan Foundation's opening has been met with positive responses from the local art community, which is characterized by a spirit of collaboration. Yue notes that the smaller scale of Hong Kong's art scene fosters personal connections and goodwill among institutions. The foundation aims to serve as a welcoming space for the community, embodying a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the arts.

New York Observer

Yue and Bi's efforts are part of a larger trend in Hong Kong, where new cultural initiatives are emerging and revitalizing the creative ecosystem. They believe that increased collaboration among various projects will enhance the overall cultural landscape, encouraging a generation that values community building and collective growth.

New York Observer

Yue stated, “Everything we do, we think about who we’re speaking to and what our responsibility is in that,” highlighting the foundation's commitment to public engagement. Bi added, “We’re very keen to create these kinds of exchanges, and that reflects in our broader programming,” underscoring their focus on fostering international connections.

New York Observer

• “I always felt that art should be accessible to the community, to everyone around us, not only within the art world.” — Claire Bi, Co-founder

New York Observer

• “The more initiatives there are, the better that ecosystem becomes.” — Brian Yue, Co-founder

New York Observer

The Cheng-Lan Foundation represents a significant step towards enriching Hong Kong's cultural fabric, aiming to create a space that is both a platform for artistic expression and a community resource.

New York Observer