Asia Society Switzerland announces an Open Call for a 3-months residency at Tai Kwun in Hong Kong. The Open Call is aimed at young curators from Switzerland with at least 2 – 3 years of curatorial experience and a bachelor’s degree in art or art history.

Through the exposure to an Asian culture and environment, Asia Society aims to inspire a deeper learning and cultural understanding in young curators and to contribute to their professional and personal development.

The successful candidate will receive active professional support navigating in particular the Hong Kong/Chinese and more broadly the Asian art scene. Located in the heart of Hong Kong Island, Tai Kwun is neighboring with other important heritage sites in Central and Sheung Wan. During the residency, a curatorial project, such as a film screening, conversation or panel discussion will be organized in consultation with Tai Kwun’s senior curators.

A short research trip to a city in the region (such as Bangkok, Taipei, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Manila, Singapore or Jakarta) to conduct further thematic research and consolidation is an integral part of the residency program.

The Residency will take place between September 2021 and September 2022 (travel conditions permitting).

The residency includes:

• Housing in a two room-apartment, including basic cleaning service, electricity and air con in Central, Hong Kong
• Flight from Switzerland to Hong Kong and back
• Travel-grant for a thematic research trip to a city in the region
• Professional support navigating the local art scene

How to apply

A complete application should contain the following:

• A brief letter of motivation outlining the applicant’s interests and intentions during the residency, connection to Switzerland, and how applicant intends to share their insights gained during the residency with audiences in Switzerland upon their return. (Max. 600 – 800 words.)
• A CV in which the applicant outlines his or her curatorial background.
• Images of work examples: Curatorial projects, exhibitions, project spaces or similar. (Up to five images, no larger than 2MB in total).

Conditions:

• 2 to 3 years of experience in curating projects and exhibitions and a bachelor’s degree in art or art history
• Each applicant is able to submit one application only
• Applications must be written in English
• Applicants need to have a connection to Switzerland

Jury

The jury is composed of renowned experts:

• Tobias Berger, Head of Arts, Tai Kwun Hong Kong
• Esther Maria Heer-Zacek, Trustee, Friends of Asia Society Switzerland Arts & Culture Foundation
• Dominik Keller, Trustee, Friends of Asia Society Arts & Culture Foundation
• Heike Munder, Director, Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst
• Farid Rakun, Ruangrupa, Jakarta
• Prof. Dr. Dorothee Richter, Professor in Contemporary Curating, Zurich University of the Arts
• Nina Zimmer, Director Kunstmuseum Bern - Zentrum Paul Klee

About Tai Kwun

Tai Kwun is Hong Kong’s Centre for Heritage and Arts — a cultural destination for inspiration, stimulation and enjoyment. Tai Kwun aspires to offer the best heritage and arts experiences, and to cultivate knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art, performing arts and history in the community. Opened in May 2018 and operating on a not-for-profit model, Tai Kwun is the fruition of a joint partnership between The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Government of the HKSAR to conserve and revitalise the buildings of the historic Central Police Station compound, which represents one of the most significant revitalisation projects in Hong Kong.

Proudly supported by Friends of Asia Society Switzerland Arts & Culture Foundation.