The Chinese Contemporary Art Museum in Manchester, which closed in 2021 due to a series of controversies, has now returned with a new name and mission. This institution, once criticized for its lack of diversity and accusations of racism, is working to restore its reputation.
Past Challenges
In March 2020, visual artist JJ Chan was preparing videos for a group exhibition at this museum. This exhibition, titled 'A New Constellation: Chinese Diaspora Now', explored Chan's emotional connection to Hong Kong. However, after discovering that 12 out of 13 museum staff were white and there were no Chinese individuals among the staff, Chan felt that her art would be shaped through a disproportionately racial lens and thus withdrew from the project.
She then published an open letter stating, 'My experience and trauma are being used as a tool to enter an industry where there are many representatives.' This letter became a turning point for the protests against this institution.
New Changes and Challenges Ahead
Following these protests, the institution hired seven artists of Chinese descent to address the lack of diversity. However, this initiative faced new criticisms and was soon canceled. These artists pointed out issues of racism within the institution and called for an international boycott, which ultimately led to the resignation of six board members and several staff.
The museum never resumed its activities after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with its reopening and efforts to revive the art community, the question is whether it can truly move past its tumultuous history and head towards a brighter and more diverse future.
