About the Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art

Strengthening global cultural and academic ties with China.

Photo of the Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art UNSW team

Our purpose

The UNSW Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art aims to deliver innovative research, advocacy, and teaching related to contemporary art and culture with an emphasis on China and East Asia. 

Chinese contemporary art has not only impacted significantly on culture internationally but also contributed to China's increasing presence on the world stage.

About the endowment

The UNSW Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art is funded by a generous $7 million endowment from philanthropist Judith Neilson AM. 

In alignment with the donor's vision, the Chair seeks to promote the production of knowledge, knowledge exchange and critical dialogue regarding contemporary Chinese art across diverse local, regional and global contexts. 

Paul Gladston

Professor Paul Gladston is the inaugural UNSW Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art and one of the world’s leading academic experts on Chinese contemporary art and culture.

Professor Gladston is an award winning internationally recognised researcher and critical thought leader in the field of Chinese art and cultural studies. His expertise and academic leadership significantly enhance UNSW's existing global eminence in East Asian studies. 

Our people

Headshot of Paul Gladston
Inaugural UNSW Judith Neilson Chair Professor of Contemporary Art
Headshot of Chunchen Wang
Visiting Professorial Fellow
Headshot of Minerva Inwald
UNSW Judith Neilson Post-Doctoral Fellow of Contemporary Art
Headshot of Wen Chen
UNSW Judith Neilson Project Manager
Akshata Iyer headshot
Judith Neilson Communication Assistant