I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in applied arts. My sister Olivia, who left Manila for Paris when I was 13 to pursue her studies in art school, definitely helped me make a choice. I ended up studying graphic and multimedia design at Arts Décoratifs de Paris, then pursued an extra degree in Game and Interactive Design at [art school] Gobelins; I grew up playing StarCraft in cyber cafes with my brother and younger sister. Lastly, I had the great opportunity to study in New York at Parsons School for Design, and work part time as a junior art director.

My favourite part of being an art space director is the multitasking it entails. That’s why I decided to pursue graphic design: it meant I would need to work on several different skills at the same time. Now, as a director, I am learning how to manage a team, and even how to do our accounting and our paperwork.

My team and I are now working on a bigger venue in the centre of Lyon called Les Halles du Faubourg. It is a 13,000sqft factory that we transformed into an enormous art space. It is very exciting.

I see Philippine art continuing to grow internationally. I am so happy for my sister-in-law, artist Jeona Zoleta, who has been called to exhibit at the prestigious Palais de Tokyo [contemporary art gallery in Paris] in 2019. I think more and more Filipino artists will continue to be recognised locally and abroad. The Philippine Art Fair is doing an excellent job in putting the country on the world map of contemporary art and shedding some light on amazing local artists. I know the future for Philippine art is bright.

Kindness and hard work will always make you grow: that’s the most important lesson I’ve learned so far.