PolyU becomes Hong Kong’s first tertiary institution supported by China National Arts Fund to nurture digital art curation talents

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has become Hong Kong’s first tertiary institution to receive funding from the prestigious China National Arts Fund 2025 under the art talents training category. The funded Digital Art Curation Talents Training Programme will be launched by the PolyU Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology (CAT) under the School of Design, with support from the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of talent in digital art curation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and fostering Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

The Nation’s strategy of prioritising cultural digitalisation, along with the HKSAR Government’s commitment to integrating art and technology into the creative industries, underscore the strong demand for professionals who can navigate both cultural heritage and innovation. Led by Prof. Henry Been-Lirn DUH, Associate Dean (Global and Industry Engagement) of the PolyU School of Design, Director of the Research Centre for Cultural and Art Technology and Director of the PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre, the Programme is set to launch in the summer of 2025, targeting experienced curators, art management professionals and researchers from Hong Kong and the GBA.

Scholars from PolyU, and universities in Macao and mainland China, as well as experts from art institutions, will provide advanced training in digital art management. This will include lectures on theory, case studies, curatorial practice workshops, field trips, presentations, exhibitions and seminars, which will be held in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The topics will cover the applications of generative artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality, immersive technology, and digital spatial design in the field of art and curation, highlighting the revitalisation of traditional art and promotion of digital transformation of cultural industry.

Prof. Henry Duh said, “We are honoured to receive this National funding, which not only sustains our commitment to nurturing digital art curation talents but also acknowledges our team’s contribution to advancing art technology. This Programme will empower the next generation of innovative curators who will inherit and innovate Chinese culture, and integrate creativity and technology to promote cultural exchange between east and west, helping shape the future of the art world. It will also help strengthen art and technology collaboration among GBA cities, which will, in turn, enhance the region’s cultural soft power.”

CAT, housed within the PolyU School of Design, serves as a collaborative platform for academia-industry research, advocating interdisciplinary studies in culture, art and technology. By leveraging Hong Kong’s connection with the GBA, CAT aspires to foster partnerships among researchers, designers, artists and other creative practitioners, cultivating a vibrant environment for artistic activities to expand market opportunities.

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