The Chinese Contemporary Arts Centre in Manchester, which closed in 2021 due to a series of controversies, has now returned to the scene with a new name and a different mission. This change follows unfortunate events and severe criticism of racial and cultural inequalities.
Concerns of Artists and Criticism
In March 2020, visual artist JJ Chan was preparing videos for a group exhibition at this centre when he suddenly faced new challenges. The theme of the exhibition was family video tapes, titled "A New Constellation: The Chinese Diaspora Now." Chan, who referenced his complex emotional ties to Hong Kong, realized that none of the centre's staff were Chinese; 12 out of 13 employees were white, and most of the volunteers were also of Chinese descent. For this reason, he decided to withdraw and wrote an open letter to the centre expressing his concerns: "My experience and pain have become a tool for entering an industry that is already over-represented."
Changes and New Challenges
Following these events, the centre attempted to improve diversity by hiring seven artists of Chinese descent. However, this move quickly faced new criticisms from artists who pointed out racial issues within the institution. Ultimately, these protests led to calls for an international boycott of the centre, resulting in the resignation of six board members and several staff.
The centre never reopened after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Now, with its return, an important question arises: Can this cultural institution move past its painful history and become a diverse and inclusive space?
