DECEMBER 2017 businesstraveller.comARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
Perhaps flooding the corridors with Monets, or featuring
huge sculptures in the lobby is too passive: while
dedicated art enthusiasts might immerse themselves in the
pieces, for many a quick glance is all they get. A growing
number of hotels are trying to bridge this gap and bring art
to life by connecting guests to the artists in question, in the
process helping to foster emerging talent.The Peninsula,
Beijing’s “Artist in Residence” programme provides
talented young individuals with an opportunity to create
and showcase their work in the hotel. The programme
was first launched in 2014 as part of the hotel’s landmark
renovation, which included the development of an artist
studio space on the 14th floor in addition to a public gallery
area for displaying artwork. Guests not only get access
to the studio, but also have the opportunity to meet the
resident artist there, where they can discuss their art
and the creative process. According to general manager
Vincent Pimont, “guests think it is very nice to have a
gallery in-house because it adds more experience to
their stay. They can see local art or meet local artists
without going to the art district. Some of our guests are
keen to know more about these artists and even bring
their artworks home.”
TheVagabond Clubin Singapore also has an Artist-
in-Residence programme. Artists from all over the world
can apply for a residency ranging from a weekend to two
weeks. This can include writers, poets, musicians or dance
performers, who then mingle with guests and perform at
The Salon. Previous artists include DJs, couture designers,
celebrity chefs, mixologists and filmmakers.SINGULAR ATTRACTIONS
Other properties focus less on large collections,
preferring to put the spotlight on a few stunning
showpieces. Vietnam’sThe Reverie Saigon,for
example, showcases a few eclectic works: in the lobby
stands a custom-made, emerald-green Baldi Monumental
clock that’s three metres high and weighs nearly 1,000kg ;
while outside La Scala ballroom is a 19th-century
Bechstein grand piano, beautifully refinished with a
mosaic veneer of malachite stone and chiselled bronze
decoration. “The hotel ownership chose these art pieces
with the clear intention of stimulating our visitors’ senses,”
says general manager Kai Speth. “They are masterpieces
specially developed for the hotel by these iconic design
brands. They draw attention.”
When it comes to attention-grabbing art, sometimes
bigger is better. If you check in toThe Garden Hotel
Guangzhou, you’ll be faced with an awe-inspiring golden
fresco. More than 30 artists took seven months to create
the 24x6-metre mural in gold foil and handcrafted marble,
which depicts scenes from the classic Chinese novel52
‘They are
masterpieces specially
developed for the
hotel by iconic
design brands’