At the initiative of one of its network partners, Arthub Asia, the Prince Claus Fund presented its activities at the Shanghai Contemporary that was held from 8 – 10 September 2011. Given the important role artists and intellectuals play in China this was a great opportunity for the Fund to connect to Chinese artists and cultural pioneers. The Prince Claus Fund supports persons and organizations in situations where freedom for cultural expression is limited due to conflict, poverty, oppression, marginalization and taboos.

At the fair the Fund presented its programmes through projections on the walls of a booth. The booth was especially designed by architect Juan Pablo Corvalan Hochberger, member of another network partner of the Fund; the architects collective Supersudaca. He designed the Mueblestein, an all- in- one furniture piece where the documentation of the Fund was presented and visitors could take a rest while reading the publications of the Fund or watching its activities projected on the walls. Many Chinese visitors paused at the booth and showed a great interest in the work of the Prince Claus Fund. The Fund broadened its network and created new possibilities for future collaborations in Asia.

Shanghai Contemporary 2011

For the 5th time the Shanghai Contemporary highlights the work of galleries that promote innovative practices and research and nurture the creative movements that are crossing China and Asia, changing the global cultural landscape. The fair is held inside and outside the walls of the Exhibition Centre, involving galleries, the city's cultural and educational institutions, alternative and independent art spaces, and the most advanced expressions of the city's creative industries and the media.

During the 15 year existence of the Prince Claus Fund, it has supported many cultural activities and organisations in Asia, amongst them our network partner Arthub Asia. Arthub Asia is a non-profit contemporary art organization devoted to stimulating the creation of creation across Asia. In collaboration with museums and other private spaces and institutions, Arthub Asia initiates and delivers projects through a sustained dialogue with performance and new media artists. Arthub Asia and Shanghai Contemporary at the fair organize The First Issue, Hot Spots, The Asia Pacific Photography Prize. An international jury of photographers, editors, curators and critics will select established and new artists who are presented by their galleries at the art fair.   

For more information, please take a look at: www.shcontemporary.info