Kong Lingyi Takes Helm at UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Outlines Vision for Expansion
Kong Lingyi has been appointed as the new CEO of the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing, succeeding Philip Tinari just ahead of the Lunar New Year. She joined UCCA in 2012 as vice president of brand and now oversees operations and strategic projects, focusing on public education and making art more accessible. Founded in 2007, UCCA has additional sites in Beidaihe and Yixing, with exhibits planned for 2026. Ahead of Art Basel Hong Kong, they unveiled plans for a new venue in Guangzhou, in partnership with OneM Contemporary Art Center, expected to launch in 2027. Kong highlights the evolving landscape for collectors and the importance of Hong Kong for institutions in mainland China, while also tackling issues like public funding and curatorial depth.
Key facts
- Kong Lingyi appointed CEO of UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing
- Philip Tinari stepped down as director and CEO shortly before Lunar New Year
- Kong joined UCCA in 2012, previously served as vice president of brand
- UCCA founded in 2007, has branches in Beidaihe and Yixing
- Exhibitions planned across Beijing, Beidaihe, and Yixing for 2026
- UCCA announced new Guangzhou space with OneM Contemporary Art Center, opening 2027
- Kong observes growing vitality in China's contemporary art scene, especially in Guangzhou and Shenzhen
- Kong remains cautious about defining "Asian sensibility," emphasizes openness and polyphony
Entities
Artists
- Yang Fudong
- Yang Hao
Institutions
- UCCA Center for Contemporary Art
- Artnet Pro
- Artnet News
- OneM Contemporary Art Center
- Art Basel Hong Kong
Locations
- Beijing
- China
- Beidaihe
- Yixing
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Hong Kong
- Greater Bay Area
- Aranya
- Europe
- U.S.