Karen Wong

Karen Wong is a prominent cultural producer and creative strategist, currently serving as the Chief Brand Officer of the New Museum in New York City. She previously held the position of Deputy Director from 2012 to 2021. Wong is a co-founder of several significant initiatives, including NEW INC, the first museum-led incubator for art, technology, and design, established in 2014, and IDEAS CITY, a platform focused on the future of urban environments through art and culture, launched in 2010. Additionally, she co-founded ONX Studio, a mixed-reality accelerator and exhibition space, in 2019.134

Wong is recognized for her innovative approach to integrating art with civic engagement and entrepreneurship. Throughout her career, she has developed partnerships with various organizations and has been involved in numerous speaking engagements at major conferences globally, discussing topics related to museum innovation and emergent culture.23 She also teaches as an adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), where she focuses on cultural strategies and production.56

Her contributions extend beyond the New Museum; Wong serves on several nonprofit boards, including Apex for Youth and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, reflecting her commitment to empowering diverse artists and fostering community engagement.34