HOM: House of Mexico in New York

New York City remains the epicenter of the global art world, attracting curators, collectors, museum directors, and other key players who are constantly seeking new ideas and emerging talent. For Mexican artists, having a presence in this dynamic environment is essential for gaining the visibility and recognition they deserve on the international stage. To address this need, I am committed to establishing a dedicated space in New York—not as a commercial gallery or museum, but as a non-profit platform showcasing the depth and diversity of Mexican arts & culture. The goal is to create a bridge between Mexican creativity and the global art market, ensuring that the artistic voices of Mexico are seen, heard, and valued. By positioning Mexican art in the heart of New York’s cultural ecosystem, we can call attention to its vitality, showcase its diversity, and ensure its rightful place in museums, collections, and exhibitions worldwide. The creation of The House of Mexico in New York, or HOM, represents an urgent and transformative initiative to reshape global perceptions of Mexico and address critical gaps in the promotion and representation of Mexican art and culture. It is inspired by the Kunsthalle model in Germany, which refers to an art exhibition space that eschews a permanent collection and all the associated costs and prioritizes flexibility and agility instead. This independent, non-profit platform will showcase the richness of Mexican heritage, foster international exchange, and elevate Mexican artists and creators on the global stage. Each exhibition will be accompanied by detailed catalogues, serving as an archive of HOM’s efforts to document and celebrate Mexican art and culture. In addition to exhibitions, other programming will range widely, from talks and panel discussions related to the exhibitions to film, literature, gastronomy, business affairs, and family events

Art Investment Funds: The Feasibility Evaluation and Outlook of Art Investing

This study explores the feasibility and challenges of art investment funds, with a focus on their viability as a business model and their potential to diversify investment portfolios. The study critically examines the unique characteristics of art as an asset class, highlighting its low correlation with traditional financial markets, which may offer resilience against economic downturns. Through case studies of art investment funds such as Xiling Fund, the paper evaluates the risks, long-term returns, and high transaction costs associated with art funds, suggesting that while they are not ideal standalone investment options, they can contribute positively to portfolio diversification. Adding a small allocation of art to a traditional 60/40 portfolio has been shown to enhance overall performance, improving the Sharpe ratio and reducing volatility. Furthermore, the paper investigates the role of securitized art investment platforms, such as Masterworks and Yieldstreet, which have made art more accessible to retail investors. The research also emphasizes the importance of selecting art investments in regions with growing economies, such as Africa and South America, where the art market is gaining traction. Ultimately, the study proposes that art should be considered a small, strategic component of a diversified investment strategy rather than a primary investment vehicle

The Skidmore Foundation

The Skidmore Foundation, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the landscape of the Missouri/Kansas area. Established in May 1994, the foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to community development and support through a strong governance structure that ensures transparency and accountability. Our mission is to provide targeted and impactful contributions to elementary art programs, ensuring that these often overlooked communities receive the support they need to foster creativity and cultural appreciation among young students. For the past thirty years, the foundation has been managed by Lindon Q. Skidmore, William Sisney (my grandfather), and now William Kyle Sisney (my father). The foundation has always been popular and sought after in our city, and we have always been consistent in delivering to local needs. However, the foundation has never had any real structure or organization in terms of where our money goes every year, and we have known for a very long time that it would be beneficial to start directing our funding towards something specific and consistent, that way we can create something long lasting and grow our legacy as a foundation. My idea, as the future of the Skidmore Foundation and its leadership, is to develop elementary art programs across the Kansas City metroplex, as art program funding is neglected and somewhat non-existent around our home area. Post pandemic, most rural schools are still recovering from budget constraints and many programs have been completely cut as a whole. This is an issue that we forecast will only get worse over time. Our organization is structured as a tax-exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing us to maximize the impact of our philanthropic efforts by allocating more resources directly to the art programs we aim to support. The foundation\u27s leadership, now under the stewardship of William Kyle Sisney, is committed to advancing our mission through strategic vision and community engagement. Our services are grouped into two main categories: Art Program Funding and Educational Support Services, with a unique focus on supporting art programs in small rural elementary schools. This niche allows us to make a significant impact where it is most needed, distinguishing us from other philanthropic trusts with broader donation priorities. The Skidmore Foundation\u27s business strategy is designed to ensure sustainable growth and adaptability. Our flexible funding model adjusts annual allocations based on trust interest rates, fostering long-term relationships with the schools we sponsor and allowing for the development and growth of art programs over time. By structuring our allocations to allow for growth and development, we ensure that our contributions can increase and adapt to the evolving needs of the schools we support. This targeted school sponsorship approach enables us to provide substantial and focused support to three schools, making a meaningful difference in each institution. Our unwavering commitment to supporting local communities and prioritizing the development of art programs sets us apart, ensuring a sustainable and meaningful impact on the quality and availability of art education in rural communities

How Social Media is Reshaping the Art Market: Catalyzing the Rise of the Art Agency Model in the United States

The art world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, marked by a shift from the traditional gallery-centric model to a talent agency model akin to those in the entertainment and music industries. This evolution is driven by the increasing influence of social media platforms, which empower artists to directly engage with audiences, bypassing the traditional gatekeepers of galleries and auction houses. Drawing on insights from industry reports, social media analytics, and case studies, this thesis explores how social media has catalyzed this shift and examines its implications for artists, collectors, and the broader art market. It argues that the rise of the agency model will democratize art access and redefine artist representation, while also introducing challenges such as over-commercialization and equity concerns. Ultimately, this study provides a forward-looking framework for navigating the art world\u27s changing landscape, offering strategies for artists, agents, and institutions to survive and thrive in this emerging paradigm

The Evolution of Chinese Contemporary Art: Developmental Struggles and Their Impact on Artists and Collectors

This dissertation explores the major issues and challenges influencing Chinese contemporary art and its market. Chapter 1 delves into the development challenges, focusing on government regulations, the role of Chinese galleries, tariffs, and the impact of the rapid rise of private museums. It also examines the shifting political correctness associated with China as a cultural symbol. Chapter 2 shifts to the evolving identity of Chinese collectors, analyzing corporate art collecting, globalization, and the hurdles they face in the international art market. Chapter 3 addresses the dilemmas in artistic creation, particularly the influence of Western art, the blurred lines of appropriation, and how capital and censorship shape contemporary Chinese art. Chapter 4 looks ahead, exploring the future of Chinese contemporary art with a focus on post90s artists raised in the West and the growing influence of a new generation of collectors. This research highlights the interplay of culture, politics, and economy in shaping the future of Chinese contemporary art

Duality: Preserving Chinese Identity in the West

In the age of globalization, the art world has been influenced by the flux of diaspora and diasporic artists who create their art based on unique migratory experiences. When personal encounters involve geographical resettlements, cultural integration and identity issues follow and are revealed in the art making of artists under this category. Duality: Preserving Chinese Identity in the West specifically concentrates on artists of Chinese descent from several Western countries in generations, pondering the essential meaning of maintaining one’s ethnic identity and Chinese-ness in the West through their art practices. This exhibition selects seventeen artworks from nine artists, from paintings, and photography to ceramics and installation, scheduled to exhibit from April 10th, 2025 through September 30th, 2025. Despite being raised in different Western countries, many exhibiting artists now live and work in New York City. The suggested venue for holding the exhibition is the Museum of Chinese in America, whose goals align with the purpose of the exhibition in celebrating diversity and fostering understanding of Chinese in America to broader audiences and communities. Chinese diasporic art, tracing back from the Republican era to the present, has a long history with complex transformation regarding intentions, missions, ideologies and visual styles on the integration of the East and West. Transitioning from the time when artists seeking new possibilities in reforming traditional Chinese ink art and employing Western techniques as means; and the time many artists went abroad for more artistic freedom and exhibition opportunities during the 1980s, to the contemporary diaspora happened after 2001 due to the economic prosperity in China, there is a group of diaspora artists demonstrating different ideas and characteristics in expressing their Chinese-ness. In comparison to their fellow artists born and raised in China, these artists were born and raised in the West as second or third-generation 3 diaspora, which leads to the accentuation of Chinese identity as a vital part in their practices. With few or no personal connections to the cultural and social realities of the motherland, they managed to shift their focus to the situated land and question the controversial realities they face in their diasporic lives. The exhibiting artists and their works all showcase new understandings of what it means to be Chinese and a minority group in Western societies from various perspectives. Martin Wong and Reagan Louie as the generation of baby boomers, both obtained their artistic inspiration from Chinatown; while Reagan Louie later went to China to seek the authenticity of the motherland, letting him counteract the broad definition of Asian American. Susan Chen and Stephanie. H. Shih expresses identity by placing their attachments to ethnic foods. Dominique Fung and Michael Ho, on the other hand, reexamine Western art history and popular cultures to resist the fetishization and narratives of Orientalism. Livien Yin and Lap-See Lam reiterate narratives in early immigration history and stories, connecting generational memories and representation of Chinese. Oscar yi Hou expresses the sense of in-betweenness through the combination of English poetry and Chinese cultural symbols, reclaiming duality in his works. Through these unique lenses, the conception of Chinese-ness has been expanded and redefined to adapt to the evolution of the Chinese diaspora

Art Affinity: “A Global Community Where Art Becomes Your Lifestyle”

As the luxury market continues to transform, people are now looking for experiences that go beyond material accumulation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the global art market, where HNWIs and UHNWIs have shifted from conventional retail purchases to curated experiences that are cultural, edifying and exclusive. Art Affinity was created to answer that need, providing a platform that allows art collecting to become a lifestyle, a world in which collectors not only collect art, but also interact with the cultural and intellectual landscape that generates it. Art Affinity brings the classic art market into line with today’s consumer needs, delivering bespoke advisory, world-class events and a thriving community of like-minded collectors. Art Affinity, with everything from artist dinners and private gallery visits to seminars and customized travel programs, allows members to immerse themselves in art while experiencing a sense of community and learning

UNIQUE MINDS: An Exhibition by People with Learning Differences for People with Learning Differences

Unique Minds: An Exhibition by People with Learning Differences for People with Learning Differences is a groundbreaking exhibition aiming to shift the narrative surrounding learning differences. The exhibition seeks to reframe the stigmas that have long been associated with learning differences and celebrate the gifts and superpowers that accompany these diagnoses. It highlights the creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives of individuals who navigate the world with learning differences, showcasing their strengths through powerful art from a multitude of mediums. At the heart of the exhibition is the representation of seven female artists, each bringing a distinctive background and experience shaped by their individual experience with learning differences. By centering female artists in this show, Unique Minds aims to give underrepresented voices a platform within the context of learning differences. The works on display are representations of empowerment, individuality, and transformation. These artists use their experiences and gifts they received from their learning differences to inform and drive their creative processes, resulting in pieces that are raw, emotionally charged, and deeply personal. Through their work, they challenge the conventional idea that learning differences are a hindrance, instead showcasing them as integral to their creative processes and perspectives. The exhibition features works in various media such as painting, sculpture, and mixed media—that address the complexities of life with learning differences. These works break down the traditional perceptions of what it means to be a woman and to live with a 4 learning difference, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of popular culture and decorative art. The artists in Unique Minds challenge societal expectations and utilize their distinctive approaches to creativity, thereby reshaping how we think about art, learning, and identity. The inclusion of women artists in Unique Minds is a deliberate effort to center female voices within a largely male-dominated art world, particularly for those with learning differences. Historically, women with learning differences have been overlooked or misdiagnosed, their struggles and talents misunderstood. This exhibition seeks to change that by spotlighting the work of these remarkable women and placing them at the forefront of a larger conversation about inclusion, diversity, and empowerment. In doing so, Unique Minds aims to provide a platform for these artists to share their stories and for audiences to witness the beauty, creativity, and strength that can arise from their experiences. This exhibition encourages viewers—whether they identify as having learning differences or not—to rethink how they perceive these challenges. Instead of framing learning differences as limitations, Unique Minds encourages the audience to see them as sources of power, leading to creative breakthroughs, innovative solutions, and deeper empathy. Through these artists\u27 work, viewers will be invited to embrace the struggles associated with learning differences while celebrating the superpowers that come with them. By shifting the conversation and telling the stories of female artists who navigate these differences, Unique Minds aims to inspire others to recognize their own potential, unearthing their own unique gifts in the process

Art PR Agency: Unveiling the Future of Art Promotion in China

The global art market has witnessed dynamic shifts over the past decade, with China emerging as a key player. The expansion of China\u27s art market has been marked by significant economic growth and rapid digital transformation, positioning it as the second-largest art market globally. This paper explores the potential for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to innovate within China’s burgeoning art market, specifically in the realm of public relations (PR) for emerging artists. By examining the role of AI in artist discovery, promotion, and strategic PR campaigns, this study aims to establish a framework for creating a technology-driven art PR agency that capitalizes on these trends

Eyes for Art: The Accordion Book for Newborns and Toddlers

Eyes for Art is an accordion-style art book for newborns and toddlers (ages 0-2). The art book encourages creativity, supports visual development, and promotes parental bonding. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, these books feature museum artworks from high-contrast black-and-white images that gradually transition to colorful masterpieces. Eyes for Art provides a screen-free, art-focused alternative for early childhood education by utilizing public-domain artworks from worldwide museums. This proposal outlines the market position and crowdfunding strategy to inspire a lifelong appreciation for art and creativity