IAC Art Talk Series 2 Lecture Three: Life's Journey in Art & Architecture by Simon Chan AM (Catch up Online)
This event was held on Thursday 23 May 2024
Abstract
Life is a rollercoaster journey with peaks and valleys along the way. Whatever you may plan for your life may not come to fruition, with unexpected twists and turns in the process. When everything seems lost and you are down at the bottom of the valley, there can be unexpected light at the end of the tunnel if you search for it and you may discover a totally different life towards the end of that journey.
In this talk Simon Chan shared his experience and passion for Art and Architecture and how his life has evolved over the years. Initially an architect with his own architectural practice, SCA Architects, an epiphany, at the crossroads of his life’s journey, led him to eventually become an art gallerist with his art gallery, Art Atrium, exhibiting contemporary Australian, Asian and Aboriginal art with a special focus on cross-cultural collaboration and expression in art in a globalised world. He talked about his passion for his family of artists that he represents and support and how art and culture have become his focus in life.
Simon also discussed his involvement with various art-related, not-for-profit Foundations and community organisations, and his social and political advocacy. He also shared his interest in travelling for art and architecture and reminiscing through his travel photography of the memories created along the way.
About the Speaker
Simon Chan AM is the Director and Founder of Art Atrium, an art gallery exhibiting contemporary Australian, Asian and Aboriginal art with a special focus on cross-cultural collaboration and expression in art. Simon is also a practising architect and Director of SCA Architects.
Simon has been involved in a broad range of not-for-profit Foundations and community organisations. He is the Chair of VisAsia Committee at Art Gallery of NSW; Director on the Board of the Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation; Council member of the Power Institute Foundation for Art and Visual Culture at The University of Sydney; Board member of Multicultural NSW Advisory Board; Member of Judging Panel of NSW Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals & Honour Roll 2024 & 2022; Director and former Chair on the Board of Aboriginal Benefits Foundation; President of Chinese Australian Forum; Immediate Past President of Haymarket Chamber of Commerce; Committee Member of the NSW Government Chinese Garden of Friendship Advisory Committee; Board member of the NSW Government Geographical Names Board; Advisory Management Committee member of The Institute for Australian and Chinese Arts and Culture (IAC) at Western Sydney University; and Woollahra Council Art & Culture Advisory Committee member.
Simon was the recipient of the inaugural NSW Premier's Multicultural Award for Arts & Culture in 2013 and was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in 2023 for significant service to multiculturalism, to the indigenous community, and to the arts.
