Durjoy Rahman and Alan Lau. Photomontage by Isabel Phillips
Alan Lau is Vice Chairman of M+ Museum, the era-defining new institution in Hong Kong?s West Kowloon district. Here he speaks with philanthropist and collector Durjoy Rahman about why private individuals need to support artists and art activations, and how Asia is moving to control its own narratives in the cultural world. Moderated by LUX Leaders & Philanthropists Editor, Samantha Welsh
LUX: Why is private philanthropy and engagement important in bringing art to a broader audience in general and particularly in Asia"
Alan Lau: Private philanthropy and patronage are critical because governments rarely cover arts funding entirely. The percentage contribution from UK public sources is higher than in the US but patrons are needed not just for the money they bring in but for their networks, resources and connections that enable museums to develop. One particularly interesting phenomenon is China where there are over a thousand private museums established by collectors. Many are located in Beijing, Shanghai and the largest cities, but a lot of them are set-up in corporate headquarters or the collector?s hometown, bringing art to a community that may not have had access to art before.
Alan Lau within the exhibition, ‘Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now’
Durjoy Rahman: Conventionally art philanthropy was the preserve of a small proportion of society. Patronage was offered by this tiny minority for centuries unt...