Claire Hsu Steps Down as Asia Art Archive Director After 20 Years, Reflects on Founding Vision

Claire Hsu is stepping down as executive director of Asia Art Archive (AAA) in Hong Kong, transitioning to co-chair as the organization marks its 20th anniversary in December. A search for a new executive director is underway. Hsu co-founded AAA in 2000 with Johnson Chang after a formative experience encountering Beijing's East Village artist community in 1993. The non-profit aims to document and activate art histories across Asia. Hsu emphasized the need for the archive to evolve with new leadership while she remains involved. Jane DeBevoise, chair for 15 years, is also stepping down but will remain on the board. AAA recently completed a strategic rethink around 2015, focusing on content priorities like pedagogy and examining sites of learning such as Baroda and Roberto Chabet in the Philippines. The archive collects materials based on team expertise and community input, advocating for multiple archives rather than claiming comprehensiveness. Hsu noted that AAA's definition of art is expansive, focusing on context and relationships, and includes archiving itself as an artistic practice. Despite political changes in Hong Kong, AAA remains based there with 95% local funding, though its digital collection is hosted elsewhere for security. The organization has secured a new physical home to open to the public in autumn, addressing space constraints. Hsu reflected on the challenge of planting seeds 20 years ago and seeing them flourish through community support.