A producer led company creating adventurous art by connecting old worlds with new worlds
Our Board of Directors
Prof. Christopher Bannerman
Chairman
Professor Christopher Bannerman had a distinguished international career as a performer and choreographer principally with the National Ballet of Canada and London Contemporary Dance Theatre. The UK’s first dance artist to lead a university department, he achieved one of the first UK practice-research PhDs and professorial conferment.
He has contributed to policy as Chair of Dance UK, Arts Council England’s Dance Panel and through membership of the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Dance Forum. He is an Emeritus Professor at Middlesex University and a Visiting Professor at London Contemporary Dance School (LCDS) and Beijing Dance Academy (BDA).
He is currently Principal Investigator of the Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded Future Ecologies: Producing Dance Network, hosted by LCDS and he co-leads international collaborations including ArtsCross, an intercultural choreographic research initiative with LCDS, BDA, Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts and University of Taipei. He is an occasional performer dancing with the Sadler’s Wells Elixir Ensemble working with choreographers including Jonathan Burrows, Robert Cohan and Annie B. and works independently with choreographer Theo Clinkard. His research coheres around processes, practices, policies and contexts of performance as it is conceived, created, presented and made available through and in the arts marketplace.
Dr. Kelly Meng
Trustee
Dr.Kelly Meng is an academic currently leading the MA Programme Director in Luxury Brand Management at Goldsmiths, University of London. She has been instrumental in shaping and guiding the MA programme since its inception in 2017. Kelly's expertise and research span various facets of luxury brand management and international business development, and her academic achievements are highlighted by her ground breaking research and publications. Aspart of her doctoral research at the University of Leeds, she delved into the realm of inward investment into China from South Africa, examining the institutional factors that impact the effectiveness of South African firms within the Chinese market. Her pioneering work culminated in her published book,"South African Business in China: Navigating Institutions (Routledge, 2021), "which has contributed significantly to the understanding of international business relations between China and Africa.
Since completing her PhD, Kelly has been actively involved in researching international business development and strategic management, with a strong focus on the luxury sectors. One of her major research endeavours involves a comprehensive investigation into market opportunities and sustainability within the high-end traditional crafts sector. Kelly's work emphasises the critical role of mobilising and sustaining traditional craftsmanship, shedding light on the dynamic intersection of heritage and innovation in the luxury industry. Notably, Kelly's commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise is exemplified by her recent co-authored textbook,"Research Methods in Luxury Management"(Routledge, 2023), which is one of the first textbooks to explore the research process within thespecific context of luxury brand management. This innovative publication provides valuable insights and guidance to scholars and. practitioners alike, navigating the intricacies of conducting research in the field of luxury.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Kelly actively engages with a diversity of luxury communities, displaying her commitment to advancing education, knowledge and inclusion in the luxury industry. She serves as a committee member of the Community Advisory Group for the Goldsmiths Centre, a role where she actively contributes to the development of funding initiatives and inclusive programmes. Prior to her appointment at Goldsmiths University, Kelly held several senior managerial positions with leading international companies in the retail industry, working with global luxury and premium brands and consulting on business development ,retail location and planning, and human resource development. Kelly's entrepreneurial flair and ability to drive projects to success are demonstrated by her track record of delivering multiple high-value projects and of mentoring budding entrepreneurs.
Dr.Kelly Meng's broad portfolio of achievements, including her leading academic research work, community role in the luxury industry, and impactful contributions to luxury brand management education, position her as a prominent figure in academia and a driving force in pursuing excellence in the luxury sector. Her passion for nurturing talent and her dedication to fostering inclusive and innovative initiatives is helping to inspire future generations in the field of luxury brand management and beyond, paving the way for future innovation and consolidation in this constantly-evolving field.
Hailing Harper
Trustee
As a trustee for Fengling Productions, I bring over two decades of leadership experience, having established and expanded companies within multiple sectors such as technology, education, hospitality, and the arts. Fluent in English and Mandarin, my expertise lies in bridging international partnerships and catalyzing growth within commercial, NGO, and academic realms.
My background showcases a deep commercial awareness combined with technological savvy, enabling me to connect with a diverse range of stakeholders and streamline communication across various industries. My academic achievements, including an MBA and an MSc in Technology Management, provide a solid foundation in business strategy and innovation.
I have a proven track record of steering teams and projects to success in a variety of settings, from large-scale ventures to cutting-edge nanotechnology efforts. My role as a trustee is informed by a collaborative spirit, multitasking capabilities, and adept negotiation skills. In the dynamic world of art production, I leverage my resilience, flexibility, and a sense of humor to overcome challenges and inspire creativity and excellence within our charity's initiatives.
Passionate about the transformative power of art, I serve as a trustee for a charity dedicated to making art accessible to all. As the heart of Fengling Productions' ethos is the belief that "beautiful things happen when different worlds meet”, my involvement is driven by a desire to foster inclusive environments where art is seen as a universal language, transcending cultural and societal barriers.
My role as a trustee is underpinned by a commitment to strategic oversight, ensuring that our charity remains forward-thinking and impactful. I leverage my experience in governance, fundraising, and community engagement to steer our organization towards sustainable growth and greater outreach. By championing innovative programs and partnerships, I aim to extend the reach of art's benefits, believing firmly in its role as a catalyst for personal and communal development.
Through my work, I aspire to create a world where access to art is not a privilege but a right, enriching lives and empowering individuals across all walks of life.