For years, many of mainland China’s art students dreamed of working or studying in Europe. After hours spent poring over the works of the continent’s masters as part of their degree requirements, living where their pieces are preserved, displayed and appreciated would seem a natural fit.
But with funding and hiring freezes striking numerous overseas art programmes and museums, that path grows less appealing by the day.
Now, rather than relocate to a new continent to further their studies, more of the mainland’s graduates are opting for a shorter trip: to Hong Kong, a city where budding artists and traders can gain a more expansive glimpse of Western culture without losing sight of the place in which they hope to eventually work.
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Art trader Chen Zixin is one of them. He recently put his antique jade business in the eastern province of Zhejiang on hold to return to academia, but knew he wanted to stay closer to home.
“Unlike others who may have applied for art courses at multiple universities outside mainland China, I picked Hong Kong and looked no further,” Chen said.
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Since arriving in September, the entrepreneur has networked and toured art venues across the city – an experience he feels has only vindicated his decision.
