Why corporate support for the arts is vital in Hong Kong: from Taikoo Place’s ArtisTree to UBS’ huge global collection of 30,000 works, artists need patrons more than ever
- UBS’ collection of 30,000 artworks includes pieces by Hong Kong’s Sarah Lai, Lee Kit, Liu Wei and Dinh Q. Le – sharing space with David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein
- ArtisTree has attracted over one million visitors to its more than 200 events so far, including a Vivienne Westwood exhibition loaned by London’s V&A Museum
Corporate support for the art world comes in several forms. While such support is important, it is not always apparent to the casual observer the influence it can have over the art scene here in Hong Kong.
In some instances, the focus is on building collections to brighten office premises and perhaps loan out to galleries and museums, an approach which also serves to support new talent and lesser-known names.
In other cases, the aim is more to interest and inform the public at large. That could be by displaying artworks and installations in and around commercial areas. Or it might be by arranging special exhibitions with popular themes in dedicated spaces where regular foot traffic is greater.
The main thing, though, is that the artists involved should ultimately benefit. And, as word spreads, other boardroom decision-makers are realising that support for the arts not only boosts the corporate image, but can also make sound financial sense.
“UBS has collected contemporary art for over 60 years,” says Amy Lo, co-head of wealth management Asia-Pacific for UBS Global Wealth Management. “It challenges us, providing insight into our complex and unpredictable world. It also embodies the spirit our firm stands for: questioning the status quo, exploring global perspectives, and innovative thinking.”
At present, its collection extends to more than 30,000 works including paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, video art and sculptures. These are displayed in group offices around the world, with artists from over 70 countries now represented.
In Hong Kong, for example, the works on show highlight local and regional artists such as Sarah Lai, Lee Kit, Liu Wei and Dinh Q. Le, as well as the likes of David Hockney, Andreas Gursky and Roy Lichtenstein.
“We continue to acquire works by emerging and established artists with an international reach,” says Mary Rozell, global head of the UBS Art Collection. “We support the primary market by working directly with artists and their galleries. And one of the defining legacies is ambitious site-specific commissions created through close collaboration with living artists.”
Indeed, two paintings by Stephen Wong Chun-hei and a new commission by Tsang Kin-wah will soon be unveiled. The latter has created a text-based wallpaper installation which explores the meaning of life through short fragments and phrases taken from the fields of philosophy, religion, film and music.