CAI XIAOQIAN, CLANSIE

PhD Student

Research Title: Cultivating Aesthetic Citizenship: Commercial Art Galleries in Singapore
Research Group: Social and Cultural Geographies (SCG)
Thesis Advisor: Prof T.C. Chang
Co-advisor: Dr Shaun Teo
Thesis Committee Member: Prof Elaine Lynn-Ee Ho

Art and culture are central to Singapore’s public policies, crafting a “Singapore Story” that aspires to global cultural prominence and mirrors the inclusivity of the local society. Post-pandemic, the nation rekindles its ambition of becoming a global art hub, exemplified by the launch of Our SG Arts Plan (2023-2027), the inauguration of Art SG, and the flourishing of gallery businesses. Against this backdrop, Clansie’s doctoral research delves into the potential of privately-run commercial art galleries in cultivating civic identities alternative to the state-scripted narrative of citizenship. By investigating the scalar impact of the aesthetic-driven civic agency involved in producing and consuming gallery-facilitated aesthetic experiences, the research seeks to shed light on the interplay between the urban politics of aesthetics and the conduct of citizenship. Ultimately, it hopes to offer valuable insights into how the art industry can foster civic identity, encourage social engagement, and contribute to a culturally cohesive and inclusive urban society.

Clansie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Languages and Literature from Renmin University of China and a Master’s degree in Sociology (MSc in Culture and Society) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to joining NUS, she worked as an art curator in Shenzhen, China, her birthplace and one of China’s fastest-growing cities. Her experiences there inspired her interest in art, urbanism, everyday culture, and the development of civic identity. Her research focuses on the urban geography of art and how it can support the development of urban governance.