In a groundbreaking move that is sure to redefine the landscape of contemporary art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and M+ in Hong Kong have recently solidified an agreement that promises to deepen their ties and collaboration in the art world. These two renowned institutions have been engaged in discussions for the past year, and now, they are ready to embark on a new chapter of partnership that could see them sharing exhibitions, research, and donor development resources.
The formal agreement between MoMA, a cornerstone of the art world in New York, and M+, a cutting-edge contemporary art museum located in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon arts district, represents a significant milestone for both institutions. This collaboration is historic as it marks MoMA’s first-ever partnership of this nature with a major institution based in Asia. The agreement will encompass a wide range of areas, including curatorial and conservation research, staff training, and the co-organization of future exhibitions, among others.
The significance of this partnership was underscored during a ceremony held at MoMA to announce the agreement. Officials from M+ and the West Kowloon Arts District Authority (WCKDA), which oversees the operations of M+ and raises funds for its activities, emphasized the challenges faced by institutions like M+ in the current landscape. Rising operational costs and a decline in visitor numbers due to the ongoing pandemic have posed significant hurdles for the museum.
Expanding Global Network
As part of a larger initiative to expand its network of international partners, the WCKDA has been actively seeking collaborations with leading cultural institutions worldwide. This effort has resulted in partnerships with over 20 museums globally, including renowned institutions such as the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Picasso Museum. The agreement with MoMA represents a major milestone in this endeavor, signaling a deepening of ties between M+ and the global art community.
M+ was established in 2021 and boasts a diverse collection of Chinese contemporary art generously donated by collector Uli Sigg. This partnership with MoMA will provide M+ with invaluable insights into the operations of a long-standing institution like MoMA, which has been a pillar of the art world for nearly a century. MoMA, with an estimated 2.7 million visitors in 2023, offers a wealth of experience and expertise that M+ can leverage to enhance its own offerings and engage with a wider audience.
Embracing Collaboration and Innovation
In a statement during the ceremony, Suhanya Raffel, director of M+, emphasized the importance of partnerships in the art world, referring to the use of loan agreements with international institutions as a means to overcome resource constraints. This sentiment was echoed by Glenn Lowry, outgoing director of MoMA, who highlighted the potential for the two institutions to explore new curatorial directions and expand audience engagement on a global scale.
Betty Fung, CEO of the WCKDA, emphasized the significance of the agreement in the context of funding challenges faced by cultural institutions in Hong Kong. With the museum recording over 4 million visits in the 2022-23 period and M+ attracting 2.7 million visitors, there is a pressing need to secure sustainable funding sources to support their operations. The partnership with MoMA represents a step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of the museums.
Looking ahead, the alliance between MoMA and M+ holds immense promise for the art world, offering a platform for collaboration, innovation, and mutual learning. As these two institutions come together to share their expertise, resources, and vision, they are poised to shape the future of contemporary art and enrich the cultural landscape for generations to come.
