Cover Stephen King, Diana King and Hans Michael Jebsen on April 13 (Photo: Courtesy of the Asian Cultural Council)
Stephen King, Diana King and Hans Michael Jebsen on April 13 (Photo: Courtesy of the Asian Cultural Council)
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The Asian Cultural Council raised over HK$2 million, which will go towards facilitating cultural exchange between the US and Asia
Who? Hans Michael Jebsen, Desirée Jebsen, Daphne King-Yao, Leigh Tung Chou, Cissy Wang, Anne Wang Liu and Melinda Zeman
Where? Aberdeen Marina Club
When? April 13, 2024
Here's what you missed: Members of the Hong Kong arts community gathered at the Aberdeen Marina Club for an evening of charity. The goal was to raise money for the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), a nonprofit organisation supporting US-Asia and intra-Asia exchanges through arts. ‘Cultural Exchange for a Better World’ was emceed by man-about-town Peter Cheung, and the event drew Tatler community members, including former ACC chairman Hans Michael Jebsen, Michelle Miller Erb, Leigh Tung Chou, Cissy Wang, Anne Wang Liu and Melinda Zeman.
The dress code for the evening was “spring colours” and the crowd did not disappoint. The grand ballroom was a sea of pink gowns, lilac cocktail dresses, yellow ties and brightly coloured jewellery that brought a springtime freshness to the entire evening.
Daphne King-Yao
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The ACC’s chairperson Daphne King-Yao took to the stage to address the audience: “Cultural exchange fosters an openness to new ideas and experiences that transform the way we see ourselves and the wider world around us. It can be nothing short of life-changing. For artists, that experience can elevate their craft, reframe their horizons and spur them on to dream new dreams. Humanity is all the richer for it.” And she’s right. Since 1963, the ACC, headquartered in New York, has given out more than 600 fellowships and grants in 16 disciplines to individuals and organisations in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China; these span areas such as theatre, music, dance, visual art, art history and museum studies. Famous alumni include Tatler cover stars Yayoi Kusama in 1964 and Claire Hsu in 2003. The ACC grantees receive not only monetary compensation but substantial programme support, including professional guidance and introductions to other artists and cultural leaders.
In between courses, performances by Hong Kong Ballet choreographer Ricky Hu took place, with music composed by Mike Orange; later pianist Vanessa Wong and vocalist Carol Lin brought to life music composed by Aenon Loo. As much as the evening was about raising vital funds for the ACC, it was also a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Lady Fung Music Fellowship—named after honorary chairman Kenneth HC Fung’s mother Ivy Fung Kan Shiu-han. In 1989, the Fung family initiated the first ACC sponsored fellowship, the AIWA/Dransfield Music Fellowship, to fund a Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts student’s training and participation in workshops at the Aspen Music Festival.
After a sweet exchange between Cheung and the Fung’s on stage, Hauser & Wirth’s managing partner in Asia and seasoned auctioneer, Elaine Kwok, brought the house down with a high-energy auction. It saw arts patrons alike fight for exciting experiences, including lunch with David and Susan Rockefeller in New York and artworks by Hon Chi-fun. More than HK $2million was raised during the live and silent auctions, which will go a long way to furthering the ACC’s mission. Bravo to all!
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Credits
Photography: Courtesy of the Asian Cultural Council
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
