From left to right: Chin Chin Teoh, Managing Director of Tai Kwun; Philip Tinari, Director of Tai Kwun Arts; Timothy Calnin, Director of Tai Kwun Arts Special Projects.Courtesy Tai Kwun

Philip Tinari Appointed Director of Tai Kwun Arts in Hong Kong

by · ARTnews

Philip Tinari was named director of Tai Kwun Arts, after less than one year since he began working there, according to a press release from the Hong Kong arts and heritage center. His appointment is among two others, with Chin Chin Teoh named managing director and Timothy Calnin as director of special projects.

Tai Kwun is an integrated institution, comprised of The Jockey Club CPS Limited and Tai Kwun Culture & Arts Company Limited, in partnership with the Hong Kong SAR Government, located in the former Central Police Station of Hong Kong. The 1841 building consists of three Declared Monuments—the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison—which together received the Award of Excellence in the 2019 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

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“As Tai Kwun approaches its 10th anniversary in 2028, we have an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation laid by the team. We can engage audiences in new ways and shape Tai Kwun’s next chapter by bringing heritage, contemporary art and performing arts into closer dialogue. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to bring this vision to life,” Tinari said of his appointment.

Tinari recently joined Tai Kwun as deputy director and head of art of Tai Kwun Arts in February 2026. In his new role as director, he will oversee the artistic direction and overall program. He will report to Teoh and work closely with her to advance institution-wide priorities and strengthen collaboration across the organization.

“I am honoured to take on this expanded role as Tai Kwun enters its next chapter,” said Teoh, who is responsible for leading the organization’s overall direction and performance, while supporting stronger coordination and alignment across the two entities. “Since opening in 2018, we have continued to reimagine the Tai Kwun experience. By making art and culture more accessible, bringing heritage to life as part of the city and its communities, Tai Kwun has transformed into a treasured heritage landmark in the heart of the city – a vibrant destination enjoyed by people from near and far, day and night. I look forward to working with our excellent team to create artistic and heritage experiences that will move our visitors and communities in profound and lasting ways.”

Of Tinari, she added, “Philip’s promotion marks an important step in this next phase. His international perspective, curatorial leadership and commitment to building meaningful connections to the communities we serve will be integral to the story of Tai Kwun’s next chapter.”

Tinari takes over the role from Timothy Calnin, who served as director for nearly a decade. As director of special projects, Calnin will provide strategic support to support a smooth transition.

“It has been a privilege to serve Tai Kwun Arts and a joy to work in partnership with Chin Chin and such talented colleagues, a fabulously engaged Board and with the unflagging commitment of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The way the Hong Kong public has taken Tai Kwun into their hearts is the greatest reward, and as Chin Chin assumes her new role and Philip takes the artistic reins, the future of Tai Kwun is in the best possible hands,” Timothy Calnin said of his role in a statement.