Dr. Daisy Yiyou Wang, Deputy Director, Curatorial and Programming

In the bustling landscape of museum leadership, few figures stand as prominently as Dr. Daisy Yiyou Wang, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. With a multifaceted career spanning diplomacy, law, and academia, Dr. Wang's journey to the helm of one of the world's most anticipated cultural institutions is a testament to serendipity, passion, and relentless dedication. A distinguished curator and scholar, Dr. Wang' s expertise spans diverse domains within the field of Chinese and East Asian art. As she charts the course for the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Dr. Wang's insights offer profound reflections on the transformative power of art, the intricacies of museum management, and the imperative of fostering cross-cultural understanding.

"I always tell people; you have to pursue a passion. And even if you fail, you did it, right?"

Written by: Rachel Wade

Edited by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

"I believe in art and culture"

Dr. Wang's odyssey into the realm of art and culture began as an unexpected divergence from her early pursuits in political science and international law. Reflecting on her journey, she recounts how familial values of art and knowledge, coupled with a penchant for exploration, propelled her towards her true calling. Her foray into English language literature at Tsinghua University became the catalyst for her immersion in the art world. "I always loved teaching and I loved the university setting." Dr Wang reminisces. "But when I got into the art world, I was like, 'Oh my god, this is what I love to do.'" Her transition from academia to the vibrant landscape of museums was marked by a series of fortuitous encounters. Through translation work for burgeoning artists in the late '90s, Wang found herself drawn into the vibrant tapestry of artistic expression and cultural exchange. Shaping her trajectory towards becoming a curator par excellence.

In her own words, Dr. Wang elucidates her transition into the art world as serendipitous, "I'm very lucky. But I think it's a passion. I always tell people; you have to pursue a passion. And even if you fail, you did it, right?" Coupled with her relentless pursuit of knowledge and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Wang's journey took her from Ohio University, where she pursued a Ph.D. in art history, to pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., and the Peabody Essex Museum. Each step served as a crucible for her growth, honing her skills in curation, research, and museum management. Dr. Wang's narrative underscores the intrinsic connection between passion and perseverance, serving as a guiding ethos in her ascent through the ranks of cultural stewardship.

At the heart of Dr. Wang's vision lies a commitment to excellence and innovation, epitomized by her transformative leadership at institutions such as the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C, where she spent four years as a junior curator and was responsible for everything from database clean-up to museum fundraising. Dr. Wang describes her time at the Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C as "Boot camp training", learning what the highest standards in museum work are, as well as taking on 'traffic stopping' projects such as, "Explosion on the American National Mall". Additionally, Dr. Wang's tenure at the Peabody Essex Museum as the curator of Chinese and East Asian art provided fertile ground for experimentation and innovation. Embracing the ethos of visitor-centricity and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Wang explains that her time at the Peabody Essex Museum "Taught me to think outside of the box and be bold. To walk through the exhibition taking the vantage point of the visitor". Her groundbreaking exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum, "Empresses of China's Forbidden City," not only garnered international critical acclaim for its scholarly rigor and public engagement, but also exemplified her ability to transcend cultural boundaries and foster meaningful dialogue through art.

Transitioning from curator to museum leader Dr. Wang embarks on a new chapter in her career as she assumes her role as the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Tasked with spearheading the museums inaugural exhibitions her vision for the future of the institution is imbued with a profound sense of purpose. Drawing upon her extensive experience in curatorial practice and museum management, she envisions the museum as a beacon of cultural exchange. A nexus, where tradition converges with innovation to redefine the contours of Chinese art and heritage. Central to her vision is the notion of accessibility, as she endeavors to create immersive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, "When a person comes to this exhibition and really has a connection with the objects, they can gain a deep understanding and potentially an interest and love for Chinese art." Dr Wang's fervent belief in the power of museums as catalysts for cross- cultural understanding and appreciation unequivocally demonstrates her suitability for the position as Deputy Director.

In articulating her vision, Dr. Wang emphasizes, "I want to bring something new, and I want to also sort of jumpstart some projects from a very, very high level." Dr. Wang asserts. "We need to think more about how we create an experience rather than an accumulation of treasures. Her emphasis on setting lofty standards underscores her unwavering commitment to excellence, driving her team towards unparalleled achievements in scholarship, conservation, and public engagement.

Dr. Wang's approach to museum leadership is characterized by a blend of pragmatism and idealism, "My slogan or my motto is just to learn. Learn as much as you can and solve problems." While she acknowledges the challenges inherent in building a new institution from the ground up, amongst the culturally diverse population of Hong Kong, she remains steadfast in her commitment to excellence and innovation. By assembling a team from various backgrounds and cultures and setting high standards for both, Wang seeks to establish the Hong Kong Palace Museum as a beacon of artistic and scholarly excellence in the region, "I always tell my colleagues you need to have a high standard. Even if you can't actually reach that standard, at least you are trying". Her leadership style emphasizes inclusivity and empowerment, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

In order to achieve this, Dr. Wang invests heavily in museum leadership training explaining that "At any level, museum leadership can happen". By doing so, she has been able to create one of her happiest moments at the Hong Kong Palace Museum thus far, "For me to see significant growth of each and every one of my colleagues in the curatorial program department is a very, very happy moment for me". By leveraging her team's expertise and development, Dr. Wang has also been able to achieve remarkable feats in the museum's publications. By placing emphasis on being "small but smart", she proudly recounts the museum's groundbreaking achievement of producing three editions of a catalog for a single exhibition, a feat unmatched by any other institution. Moreover, Dr. Wang has transcended borders by collaborating with mainland Chinese publishers, widening the reach of their publications and exhibitions. This strategic partnership underscores her commitment to making Chinese art accessible to a global audience.

Dr. Daisy Yiyou Wang's remarkable journey from political science to museum leadership exemplifies the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and strategic vision. As the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Wang's vision for the institution is anchored in a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. By leveraging her extensive experience in curatorial practice and museum management, Wang aims to position the Hong Kong Palace Museum as a global leader in Chinese art and culture. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives, Wang seeks to foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, making the museum a space for reflection, inspiration, and social change. In her steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation, she epitomizes the visionary leaders who shape the course of our cultural landscape, illuminating pathways towards a more enlightened and interconnected world.