The Chinese Contemporary Art Centre in Manchester was temporarily closed in 2021 after a series of controversies. But now, with a new name and a fresh mission, it has returned to the art scene. In March 2020, visual artist JJ Chan, while preparing videos for a group exhibition, noticed that of the 13 staff members at the centre, only one was Chinese and the rest were white. This lack of cultural diversity greatly concerned him, prompting him to send an open letter to the centre.
Bitter Experience and Artists' Reactions
Chan wrote in this letter: "My experiences and traumas are being used as a tool to enter an industry for a group that is severely underrepresented." Following this incident, the centre attempted to hire seven artists of Chinese descent, but this initiative was canceled due to protests from artists regarding institutional racism. These artists then called for an international boycott of the centre, resulting in the resignation of six board members and several staff.
The art centre never reopened after its closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Now, with its relaunch, the centre is trying to distance itself from its controversial past and move towards a new mission. Can these changes help restore trust within the artistic and racial community?
Challenges Ahead
Despite new efforts, significant challenges still lie ahead for the centre. How can they learn from the bitter experiences of the past and become a successful model? Can they attract diverse artists and communities and become a genuine platform for contemporary art expression?
The Chinese Contemporary Art Centre in Manchester is now striving to take a clearer and more positive path with fundamental changes, but will these changes be enough?
