The CUHK Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture, organised by the Faculty of Arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and co‑organised by the CUHK Art Museum, was successfully held on 24 March 2026.
Under the theme “Cultural Leader as a Changemaker – Strategies for a Sustainable Cultural Ecology”, the lecture featured Ms Heidi Lee Yik‑shuen, Executive Director of Hong Kong Ballet and alumna of the MA in Cultural Management programme (Class of 2007), as the guest speaker. The event attracted participation from CUHK students, staff, alumni and members of the public who share a strong interest in arts and cultural development.
With over three decades of experience in the cultural sector and arts administration, Ms Heidi Lee began by reflecting on her early training in Stage Management at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. She shared how the influence of dedicated and talented mentors and peers shaped her approach to advancing the arts with commitment, and a strong sense of purpose and mission.
From the perspective of the cultural industry and its ecosystem, Ms Lee highlighted the close interdependence among key stakeholders, including artists and creators, audiences, the education sector, policymakers and funding bodies. Using Hong Kong Ballet as an example, she explained how clear artistic direction, sound financial management and diversified marketing strategies, combined with efforts to reach different segments of society and to build cross‑sector partnerships with leading local, national and international organisations that translate cultural and artistic values into tangible, meaningful impact and support the sustainable development of the cultural industry.
The lecture was followed by a lively Q&A session, moderated by Professor Benny Lim Kok Wai, Director of the MA in Cultural Management programme. Questions covered a wide range of topics, including the day‑to‑day management of arts programming, vision and development planning, as well as branding and intellectual property. Throughout the discussion, Ms Lee repeatedly emphasised the importance of humanities education, cultivation of professional talent is essential to the long‑term growth of the arts and cultural sector.
Ms Lee’s sharing inspired participants to reflect on the critical role played by local cultural leaders in shaping the development of the cultural industry in Hong Kong and globally. The Faculty of Arts extends its sincere gratitude to Ms Heidi Lee, the CUHK Art Museum, and all participants for their support in making the lecture a success. We look forward to organising more alumni events in the future and to welcoming members of the Arts community back to campus.
