Following the announcement last month that Pi Li will step down as Tai Kwun’s head of art, it’s been announced that Philip Tinari, longtime director and CEO of UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, will replace him.
Starting 23 February, the American-born curator will oversee Tai Kwun Contemporary’s programmes as well as the institution’s long-term artistic vision, working alongside Timothy Calnin, director of Tai Kwun Arts.
Since 2011, Tinari has served as the director of UCCA, headquartered in Beijing and its CEO since 2017 when the institution was sold by its founders, the late collectors Guy and Miriam Ullens, to private investors. During his tenure Tinari oversaw the opening of three UCCA outposts in Shanghai, Beidaihe and Yixing, and more than 150 exhibitions across its locations.
‘Philip’s impressive record in establishing a dynamic and relevant contemporary art institution in Beijing which is revered both in China and around the world, will be a tremendous asset,’ Timothy Calnin said in a statement. ‘Philip played an early part in establishing Tai Kwun’s contemporary art credentials having co-curated with us a major exhibition in Tai Kwun’s very first season in 2018.’
Lingyi Kong has been appointed UCCA’s next CEO and Xi Guo its deputy director.
