To encourage the development of emerging young artists, Hong Kong’s K11 Art Foundation and the Central Academy of Fine Arts have launched a three-year partnership. Through this investigation, they hope to cultivate future models for exhibiting art. The collaboration began on January 15 with the opening of The 2nd “CAFAM Future” Exhibition, a joint effort between K11 and the CAFA Museum. The exhibition will travel to venues in Shanghai and Hong Kong, sponsored by K11 Art Foundation. According to K11 founder Adrian Cheng, “Our vision and mission has been to promote emerging artists and designers in Greater China, as well as enhance a collective interest in both Hong Kong and international contemporary art on the mainland. In terms of the art scene, I’ve been watching it over the course of its development, using the appropriate resources to play the appropriate role. K11 Art Foundation maintains a close relationship with many top international art institutions. We have our own art village, and I often go pay the young artists there a visit. In my exchanges with them, I’ve found that they lack a high-quality, standardized platform to showcase their work. It’s for this reason that I hope all the more so to invest in this particular platform.”

K11 Art Foundation is committed to nurturing emerging artists and taking them to the global stage. By exhibiting artworks and hosting lectures in public spaces like malls, the foundation exposes the artworks to the general public and enhances public appreciation for art.

LEAP: This time, CAFA is sponsoring a three-year plan. What support will they need to initiate this? What types of roles will need to be taken on to promote it?

Adrian Cheng: Although “The Future CAFAM Exhibition” is the first time that K11 Art Foundation has collaborated with CAFA, CAFA has previously successfully collaborated with other institutions and foundations. I wouldn’t have been able to participate in this project without curator Wang Juan—his merit can’t be disregarded.

LEAP: Through the works selected for the museum, I can see you have an instinct for the art scene—the quality and reputation of the exhibition are all excellent, but can you talk a little about how you found your specific angle on the art world?

AC: As the founder of K11 Art Foundation, our vision and mission has been to promote emerging artists and designers in Greater China, as well as enhance a collective interest in both Hong Kong and international contemporary art on the mainland. In terms of the art scene, I’ve been watching it over the course of its development, using the appropriate resources to play the appropriate role. K11 Art Foundation maintains a close relationship with many top international art institutions. We have our own art village, and I often go pay the young artists there a visit. In my exchanges with them, I’ve found that they lack a high-quality, standardized platform to showcase their work. It’s for this reason that I hope all the more so to invest in this particular platform.