In the realm of luxury hospitality, creativity stands as the foundation of unforgettable guest experiences, with art playing a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression. The Peninsula Hotels exemplify this approach by staying committed to enhancing the rich cultural landscapes of the cities they inhabit. Through the integration of local landmarks and artistic influences, they seek to not only captivate guests but also enrich and promote thriving local art scenes with innovative cultural activities and immersive art experiences. The Kurator spoke with Carson Glover, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications at The Peninsula Hotels, to delve into how creativity and art shape their hospitality philosophy and discuss the brand’s initiatives in supporting mid-career artists and fostering meaningful connections within local communities.
1. What is the connection between creativity and hospitality?
In hospitality, creativity enables the crafting of distinctive guest experiences that resonate emotionally and culturally with visitors. It shapes everything from innovative service offerings and personalised experiences to the design and ambiance of spaces that reflect the identity of the property and the cultural richness of its location.
This relationship is vividly illustrated by initiatives like Art in Resonance at The Peninsula Hotels, where creativity is not just an add-on but an integral part of the guest experience. Originally introduced in 2019, this commission-based art program is designed to highlight mid-career and emerging artists, providing them with the resources and support needed to create significant new public artworks. Through this initiative, The Peninsula contributing and nurturing the cultural ecosystem of our hotels' local communities. It blends creativity, culture, and luxury, offering guests cultural immersion and fostering connections between visitors and destinations through art and interactive experiences.
2. In what ways do you think art in hotels enhances the guest experience?
The display of art in unconventional spaces throughout the hotels sparks curiosity and encourages exploration. Guests become active participants in a symphony of art and hospitality, creating memorable and immersive stays. Our Art in Resonance program in Hong Kong in March 2024 exemplifies this approach. From the hotel's iconic façade to The Lobby and Retail Arcade, unexpected artistic encounters inspire conversations and deepen the connection between visitors and their surroundings.
3. How does The Peninsula resonate with the intersection of art and hospitality?
Supporting mid-career artists and local communities in our hotel destinations, Art in Resonance reflects a shared passion for art and humanity, enriching guest experiences with cultural depth.
The program offers our guests immersive art experiences that celebrate and showcase the rich cultural aspects of our host cities. By supporting both mid-career and emerging artists, Art in Resonance embodies our belief in art's universal language — its power to transcend borders, forge connections, and enrich humanity.
As dedicated custodians of culture through this program, we integrate art into the heart of our hospitality. By providing a platform for artists to create and showcase significant works, Art in Resonance not only enhances our guests' experiences but also nurtures a shared love for humanity, highlighting the inclusive and transformative power of art.
4. What is the Peninsula’s relationship with contemporary art in particular? And how does the Peninsula integrate contemporary art into its brand identity?
As a global luxury brand with a legacy of nearly a century, The Peninsula Hotels understands the important role that art plays for humanity – it is a universal language that crosses borders and builds connections through shared emotions.
Since its founding, The Peninsula Hotels has remained committed to promoting and enhancing the rich and vibrant cultural landscape of each destination city our hotels call home. Art in Resonance has been designed to shine a light on important emerging and mid-career artists with the funding, curatorial support and logistical capabilities that allow them to produce significant new public contemporary artworks. In addition, The Peninsula Chicago has organised art exhibits for many years in collaboration or in conjunction with EXPO Chicago, the prominent local art fair, and Love Art, a previous programme at The Peninsula Hong Kong, saw the installation of contemporary artworks from luminaries such as Michael Craig Martin and Tracey Emin.
No other luxury hospitality company is embarking on such a commission of original works, painstakingly curated to deliver temporary yet immersive experiences, while generating memories for guests and visitors alike.
5. How did the idea for the Art in Resonance initiative emerge, and what objectives does it serve?
The idea for the Art in Resonance initiative emerged from The Peninsula's commitment to engaging with the artistic world in a more profound and innovative way. Rather than just being a venue for art as decoration, The Peninsula sought to become a cultural originator and innovator. This led to the creation of a program that not only showcases contemporary art but also commissions new works that require guests to be physically and emotionally present to fully experience them.
6. In what ways has the Art in Resonance initiative been enriching the guest experience?
The Art in Resonance initiative enhances the guest experience at The Peninsula Hotels through immersive, culturally connected encounters with contemporary art. By curating site-specific installations that engage guests physically and emotionally, the program transforms their stay into a unique and memorable journey.
This approach fosters a deeper connection with local culture and provides intellectual stimulation through innovative works. Our commitment to supporting mid-career artists and engaging with local communities is integral to creating meaningful experiences for our guests.
7. What is the significance of exhibiting art installations at Hong Kong’s Grande Dame?
As one of the world's most iconic hotels, The Peninsula Hong Kong serves as a cultural beacon, showcasing the intersection of luxury, history, and contemporary art. The hotel's commitment to displaying groundbreaking art installations from renowned artists—such as Love Art, a previous art program in partnership with the UK's Royal Academy of Arts — underscores its leadership in integrating art into the hospitality experience.
Building on this legacy, our Art in Resonance program in Hong Kong in March 2024, we're proud to have given Hong Kong artist Kingsley Ng the opportunity to produce his most ambitious project to date. It demonstrates how the hotel's legendary façade continues to serve as an inspiring canvas for artistic innovation.
8. What qualities do the commissioned artists for these installations share with the spirit of the Peninsula?
The commissioned artists for Art in Resonance embody The Peninsula Hotels' spirit through their work. These artists share the hotel's commitment to elegance, attention to detail, and blending tradition with innovation. By weaving contemporary creativity with timeless elements, their installations pay homage to history, reflecting the grand traditions and iconic moments that have shaped The Peninsula Hotel’s own storied past. Each piece tells a story, crafted to leave a lasting emotional impact, much like The Peninsula’s dedication to offering memorable, personalised experiences for its guests. For generations, The Peninsula Hotels has embraced and captured the vibrant character of its destination cities, inviting guests to connect with art through a myriad of experiences.
9. We've recently seen art meet fashion at the Peninsula London through the collaboration between Olivia von Halle and de Gournay. What dimension does this add to the hotel's commitment to creativity?
The collaboration between Olivia von Halle and de Gournay at The Peninsula London adds a unique dimension to the hotel’s commitment to creativity by merging fashion with art in an exclusive capsule collection. Inspired by the hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper that adorns the hotel’s lobby, this collection features limited-edition pyjamas and eye masks that are wearable works of art, celebrating age-old artistry and British style. This partnership not only commemorates the opening of The Peninsula London but also exemplifies the hotel’s dedication to blending tradition, glamour, and innovation in every aspect of the guest experience.
10. How do you foresee the role of art in luxury hospitality evolving in the coming years, particularly at the Peninsula?
At The Peninsula, we hope to further embrace and support the local artistic and cultural communities in the cities we are lucky enough to call home. By forging innovative partnerships with museums, galleries, artists and curators, we'll look to showcase both established and emerging artists in exciting new ways.
