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The main thing, though, is that the artists involved should ultimately benefit. And, as word spreads, other boardroom decision-makers are realising that support for the arts not only boosts the corporate image, but can also make sound financial sense.

“UBS has collected contemporary art for over 60 years,” says Amy Lo, co-head of wealth management Asia-Pacific for UBS Global Wealth Management. “It challenges us, providing insight into our complex and unpredictable world. It also embodies the spirit our firm stands for: questioning the status quo, exploring global perspectives, and innovative thinking.”

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At present, its collection extends to more than 30,000 works including paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, video art and sculptures. These are displayed in group offices around the world, with artists from over 70 countries now represented.

In Hong Kong, for example, the works on show highlight local and regional artists such as Sarah Lai, Lee Kit, Liu Wei and Dinh Q. Le, as well as the likes of David Hockney, Andreas Gursky and Roy Lichtenstein.

“We continue to acquire works by emerging and established artists with an international reach,” says Mary Rozell, global head of the UBS Art Collection. “We support the primary market by working directly with artists and their galleries. And one of the defining legacies is ambitious site-specific commissions created through close collaboration with living artists.”

Indeed, two paintings by Stephen Wong Chun-hei and a new commission by Tsang Kin-wah will soon be unveiled. The latter has created a text-based wallpaper installation which explores the meaning of life through short fragments and phrases taken from the fields of philosophy, religion, film and music.

“The work leaves interpretation open to the viewer,” Rozell says. “But it reflects the company’s long-held belief that the art of today provides inspiration.”

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At ArtisTree, the exhibition space in Taikoo Place, there is a similar wish to experiment and introduce people to a wide range of art forms, including original works by young artists and productions never previously staged in Hong Kong.

“We consider arts and culture as vital to people’s well-being and aim to make it a part of their everyday lives,” says Don Taylor, Swire Properties’ director, noting plans for more performances, exhibitions and engagement activities as the city gets back on its feet after the pandemic. “We focus on creatively transforming places into vibrant, sustainable communities, and a lively arts scene is vital to this process.”

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Since its launch back in 2008, ArtisTree has hosted more than 200 events, attracting over one million visitors. Landmark events have included a Vivienne Westwood fashion exhibition loaned by London’s V&A Museum and, more recently, Ivana Wong’s “The Singing Canvases” exhibition accompanied by orchestral music.

“We design our programmes with the objective of opening up the world of art to new audiences,” Taylor says. “The shows are multidisciplinary and diverse, and delivered in an entertaining and approachable way.”