Meet Christy Qin

We were lucky to catch up with Christy Qin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christy , you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

Generosity is, in my view, one of the most important virtues of humanity. For generations, my family has been both recipients and givers of generosity. Through this experience, I firmly believe that those who give often gain even greater fulfillment and personal growth. Moreover, knowing that my support can positively impact those around me makes my life richer and more meaningful.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have an innate love for beauty, which is why I chose to pursue a career in art. My education has spanned stage performance, literature, painting, and film, but ultimately, I found my path in art management. Over the years, I have participated in various art projects across Europe, Asia, and the United States, gaining valuable experience along the way.

Currently, I co-run VillageOneArt Gallery in New York with my partner. Since its founding, I have been responsible for artistic direction and curation, focusing on discovering promising young artists and organizing shows for the gallery. The process of working closely with artists on new exhibitions deepens my understanding of both their work and creative vision. Preparing each exhibition requires hands-on effort and thoughtful reflection, making it a truly immersive experience. There is always a bittersweet feeling when one show ends and a new one begins—I feel reluctant to see it go, yet excited for what’s next.

That’s why I hope each exhibition attracts more viewers, sparks meaningful discussions, and garners greater attention, making all the effort even more worthwhile. Our gallery presents a new show every month—follow us on Instagram: @VillageOneArt to stay updated on our latest shows.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

As a gallerist, it is crucial to have a clear sense of direction and purpose. I focus on understanding my strengths and dedicating my efforts accordingly. For example, our gallery has a strong curatorial mission to support female artists, and we remain committed to this vision. Additionally, building relationships with artists, collectors, and art institutions is equally important—these connections require long-term cultivation and dedication.

Running a gallery is much like winemaking; it demands both precision and patience. For those new to the industry, my advice is to immerse yourself in great artworks, maintain a habit of continuous learning, and strike a balance between academic rigor and adaptability to the evolving art market.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Balancing commercial stability with curatorial vision is an ongoing challenge. While keeping our existing collectors engaged, we also need to attract new ones. To achieve this, we consistently promote our exhibitions and artworks on social media, our gallery website, and other art platforms to expand our reach and gain new audiences. At the same time, we organize VIP collector previews, private dinners, and special events to strengthen our relationships with collectors.

Beyond my work, I stay mindful of what’s happening in the world around us. These observations not only help me understand the current art landscape but also inspire new ideas and curatorial directions.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dandanqin85