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Forbes
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Fort Point Historic Site Offers Stunning Locale For Contemporary Art
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 08: The historic Golden Gate Bridge is viewed looking north from Fort Point on February 8, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by) Getty Images The most striking temporary venue for contemporary art in America this summer can be found in San Francisco. Fort Point National Historic Site. The only extant Civil War-era fort on the West Coast. Right on the Bay. In the literal shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. The best views inside and out. Inside, visitors find 'Black Gold: Stories Untold,' an exhibition featuring nearly a dozen new commissions plus recent works by contemporary artists from the Bay Area and around the world reflecting on the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans who lived in California from the Gold Rush to the Reconstruction period following the Civil War (c. 1849–1877). Prominent figures in contemporary art: Tiff Massey, Alison Saar, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Hank Willis Thomas. Works on view explore the presence of slavery and the struggle for legal rights within this 'free' state, the successes of Black entrepreneurs, and the experiences of African American Army regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers. More broadly, the exhibition illuminates the role Black communities played in the cultural, social, and political atmosphere of the time. '(Black people) weren't peripheral to what was happening here, they were central to all of this,' exhibition curator Cheryl Haines told 'There were a number of people who became very successful. They became synonymous with the opportunities for prosperity and innovation here in the Bay Area; entrepreneurs, extraordinarily gifted military figures, artists, musicians, whaling ship captains.' William T. Shorey (1859–1919) was the whaling ship captain. Oakland artist Demetri Broxton (b. 1979) honors him and his family at Fort Point through dazzling beaded portraits, embellished with cowrie shells of a type once used for protection by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and for the purchase of humans during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Trina M. Robinson's (b. 1975) newly commissioned 16mm film plays inside the Fort, telling the story of Brigadier General Charles Young (1864–1922). He was born enslaved and went on to lead a company of Buffalo Soldiers in San Francisco's Presidio before becoming the first Black U.S. National Park Superintendent. Akea Brionne (b. 1996) presents an intricate tapestry of abolitionist and entrepreneur Mary Ellen Pleasant (1814–1904), commemorating the legacy of one of the most influential and overlooked figures in US history. 'Perhaps the most powerful Black woman in Gold Rush-era San Francisco,' according to the National Park Service. The exhibition marks the sixth collaboration between FOR-SITE, the National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, a partnership that has resulted in new models of park visitor engagement through site-specific art presented on public land. Hank Willis Thomas, 'Solidarity,' 2023. Patinated bronze 86 3⁄4 ×24 3⁄4 ×36 3⁄4 in. Courtesy of the artist and Pace Gallery and produced by FOR-SITE. Jan Sturmann. Established over 20 years ago by 'Black Gold' curator Haines, FOR-SITE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the idea that art can inspire fresh thinking and important dialogue about our natural and cultural environments. Through exhibitions, commissions, artist residencies, and educational programs, FOR-SITE supports the creation and presentation of art about place. 'There is a niche for this kind of work because not everybody will go to a museum. Maybe people can't afford to take their whole family to a museum–museums are very expensive now–or maybe they're not going to go up five flights to an art gallery, but if we can take these art projects and meet people where they stand, I think it's much more powerful because it's a joint discovery,' Haines said. Admission to Fort Point and the exhibition is free. 'I carefully select artists that have a very conceptual practice, who are grounded in what they're doing, but can be accessible to a general audience.' Contemporary art. Yes. Conceptual. Yes. But approachable and understandable without an MFA degree, too. Hank Willis Thomas' (b. 1976) monumental bronze raised arm and clenched fist doesn't require 500 words of wall text to interpret. 'Black Gold' has provided a team of docents positioned throughout the venue offering background on the artworks and the history of Fort Point. Fort Point SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: A view of light house at the Fort Point National Historic Site in San Francisco, California, United States on January 31, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu via Getty Images Located beneath the south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point National Historic Site was constructed to protect San Francisco's harbor from potential naval threats as the region became rich with the discovery of gold. The fort was completed in 1859, but never saw active military engagement. Today, it is an important location within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is managed by the National Park Service. 'Fort Point is a remarkable structure whether you're a history buff or you're interested in architecture and history about place,' Haines said. 'It's not been renovated. It's in its original state by and large–no elevators, there's no running water. It's a location that's very easy to imagine oneself in a different moment in time.' That's part of the magic staging contemporary art in historic structures provides that museums simply can't. 'You're already in the mindset of what was it like to live in the 1860s; how did people deal with the punishing cold and the winds, how were the soldiers surviving in that situation? These (Civil War era) forts were never fired upon, the harshest opponent was the weather, and it continues to be,' Haines explained. 'It's very punishing there, so it makes you really kind of bundle up and go inside a bit and think about the lives of these people and all the challenges. The weather is a symbolic part of thinking about the challenges that they had in their lives.' It's summer, yes, but also summer in San Francisco, recalling the famous Mark Twain quote that never was. As much as the artwork adds intrigue and context to the location, the reverse is also true. The stories being shared come alive inside Fort Point. Contemporary art and 19th century construction working together connecting the past to critical concerns of our present. Contemporary art reaching out and achieving what traditional history–documentary films, books–can't always. 'These artists can illuminate these stories in a way that is non-judgmental, that is not dictatorial. They present a position, but it's really more about asking us to question, especially the artists that we work with, they're not providing answers,' Haines said. 'They're just hoping to open viewers mind to question what it is that they're seeing around them.' Umar Rashid, 'By Land. By Sea. By Star.,' 2025. Mixed-media installation. Courtesy of the artist and commissioned by FOR-SITE. Jan Sturmann 'Black Gold' was inspired in part by Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California, a public education campaign produced by the ACLU of Northern California, one of FOR-SITE's community partners. Haines further worked with an advisory committee of historians, academics, and fellow curators to make sure the presentation struck all the right chords historically and artistically. 'Black Gold' can be seen through November 2, 2025. More From Forbes Forbes Artist Pacita Abad Archives Going To Stanford University By Chadd Scott Forbes At Home With Ruth Asawa At The San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art By Chadd Scott Forbes Traveling To San Francisco For Art On A Budget By Chadd Scott
AsiaOne
24-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Penang, rewritten: What do the city's new hotels say about its second act?, Lifestyle News
Hawker-food haven, rustic beachside retreat, durian paradise. For as long as most Singaporeans can remember, Penang's main draws have remained unchanged. But while that laid-back charm is precisely why some folks love vacationing in this state along Malaysia's north-west coast, you have to admit — the lack of freshness is starting to dampen the appeal. The data supports this: Singapore arrivals to Penang declined by 4.5 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, which is a pretty big hit considering that Singaporean visitors are consistently among Penang's top two source markets for tourism. So, is the Pearl of the Orient really losing its lustre? One way to gauge a city's rising or falling fortunes is to look at its hotel landscape, which often indicates whether an increase in tourism is expected. And in Penang's case, the future looks as bright as the sunny flesh of its famous Black Gold durians. A hotel boom that says: "Come back soon!" In the past few months alone, at least five significant new hotels have opened. They include three run by Marriott: the Penang Marriott Hotel; The Millen Penang, an Autograph Collection hotel; and the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, part of the group's Tribute Portfolio. Meanwhile, Gurney Bay Hotel by Parkroyal and M Social Resort Penang by Millennium Hotels and Resorts also recently launched. That's a healthy injection of 1,055 rooms in a city that currently has around 12,000. The reason for this mushrooming? A slate of new major government-supported developments, such as the partially opened Gurney Bay, a seafront lifestyle park on reclaimed land that features a pedestrian promenade, children's play area and viewing decks, among other things. Later this year, a second phase will open that will house the popular Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, relocated from its current spot, along with a new beach. Major upgrades that hint at a fresh start In addition, by 2027, a massive upgrade of Penang International Airport will nearly double its capacity and make it the second-largest airport in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur International Airport. All of which means that plenty of new life is finally pouring into this sleepy old favourite. No doubt you'll be planning a revisit — and when you do, here's a list of the best new hotels to check into. Penang Marriott Hotel [embed] Opened last February, the Penang Marriott Hotel brings a touch of luxury to tourist fave Gurney Drive, with 223 rooms that offer a range of city and sea views. Design-wise, the vibe is clean and sophisticated with a big focus on soothing spaces — there's an infinity-edge pool, a bright gym, and several chic restaurants like Sago and Kucina. The hotel is located right next to the Gurney Bay waterside park, making beach walks a breeze, and you're only a quick hop from Gurney Plaza and the famous George Town heritage zone if you're in town to shop. The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection Boutique joint The Millen Penang made its debut in February along George Town's historic Millionaire's Row. The 146 designer rooms and facilities lean into local art and culture, such as the Nut&Meg spa that's inspired by Penang's nutmeg legacy. There's also a rooftop pool with sweeping sea views. Those who don't feel like leaving the hotel will have plenty of F&B choices, from Malaysian flavours at Lili and bold cocktails at Good Society, to grilled feasts at Blacklinen. But if you do decide to step out of this cocoon, you're only minutes from George Town's colourful murals, buzzing cafes and colonial treasures. The Iconic Marjorie Hotel [embed] Opened at the end of last year, this Marriott-run property has 298 rooms, including 32 junior and six executive suites. Its design and dining outlets celebrate Penang's Straits Chinese heritage with Peranakan-inspired decor and nyonya cuisine. Meanwhile, an infinity pool and the rooftop Senses Bar offer panoramic city views and plenty of TikTok-able moments. The hotel's location along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah means it's just a short drive from Penang International Airport, yet not too far from hotspots like Unesco-listed George Town and local culinary favourites. Gurney Bay Hotel, A Parkroyal Hotel This rebranded 368-room property, previously the long-standing Evergreen Laurel Hotel, occupies prime position along Penang's famed Gurney Drive, within the new Gurney Bay lifestyle precinct. Alongside panoramic views of the ocean, Penang Hill and George Town, guests can enjoy facilities such as a massive all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge with live entertainment, a kids' club, an outdoor tennis court, two swimming pools including a children's pool, steam and sauna rooms, and a 24/7 gym. Of course, since it's right in the middle of the tourist area, you also get easy access to street food, shopping and everything else that George Town has to offer. M Social Resort Penang This vibey resort located in the seafront neighbourhood of Tanjung Bungah has 318 guest rooms across two buildings, plus direct access to Tanjung Bungah beach. The rooms are contemporary, with cheery interiors and artistic touches, and the property has plenty of common spaces for guests to interact, like a Social Hub that serves up drinks and high tea. Nearby are cultural landmarks and lively local activities, like the Tanjung Bungah Market, while Gurney Drive and Penang Street Art are just a short drive away. [[nid:717824]] This article was first published in
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SunCar Partners with Visa to Empower ICBC Cardholder Benefits in China's Affluent Consumer Market
NEW YORK, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SunCar Technology Group Inc. ("SunCar" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SDA), an innovative leader in auto e-insurance and cloud-based B2B auto services in China, today announced its selection as the exclusive provider for the Visa Concierge Car Service Project, establishing a pivotal partnership with global payments leader Visa. This strategic alliance positions SunCar to deliver premium airport and high-speed rail transfer services to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China's (ICBC) high-net-worth cardholders nationwide, opening significant new revenue channels in China's lucrative premium services market. This partnership represents a substantial expansion of SunCar's addressable market, providing direct access to ICBC's coveted Platinum and Black Gold cardholders—an elite customer segment with individual assets exceeding $1.1 million and credit card spending limits above $275,000. "Securing this partnership with Visa, following their rigorous vendor evaluation process, validates our technology platform's superiority and service excellence," said Ye Zaichang, CEO of SunCar. "This high-profile collaboration enhances our market position with minimal additional capital expenditure, accelerating our path to increased shareholder value." The exclusive partnership leverages SunCar's established nationwide service network and proprietary cloud-based technology platform, allowing for rapid scaling with limited incremental costs. The company's advanced AI-powered dispatch system ensures optimal resource allocation, maintaining premium service levels while maximizing operational efficiency across China's first-tier and emerging city markets. China's premium services market continues to expand alongside the country's growing high-net-worth population, presenting substantial growth opportunities for well-positioned service providers. About SunCar Technology Group Inc. Founded in 2007, SunCar is transforming the customer journey for auto services and auto insurance in China, the largest passenger vehicle market in the world. SunCar develops and operates cloud-based platforms that seamlessly connect drivers with a wide range of auto services and insurance coverage options through a nationwide network of sales partners. As a result, SunCar has established itself as the leader in China in the B2B auto services market and the auto eInsurance market for electric vehicles. The Company's intelligent cloud platform empowers its enterprise clients to access and manage their customer database and offerings optimally, and drivers gain access to hundreds of services from tens of thousands of independent providers in a single application. For more information, please visit: Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains information about the Company's view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from historical results or those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with its ability to raise additional funding, its ability to maintain and grow its business, variability of operating results, its ability to maintain and enhance its brand, its development and introduction of new products and services, the successful integration of acquired companies, technologies and assets into its portfolio of products and services, marketing and other business development initiatives, competition in the industry, general government regulation, economic conditions, dependence on key personnel, the ability to attract, hire and retain personnel who possess the technical skills and experience necessary to meet the requirements of its clients, and its ability to protect its intellectual property. The Company encourages you to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's annual reports and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact Information: SunCar:Investor Relations: Ms. Hui JiangEmail: IR@ Ms. Li ChenEmail: chenli@ U.S. Investor RelationsMatthew Abenante, IRCPresidentStrategic Investor Relations, LLCTel: 347-947-2093Email: matthew@ View original content: SOURCE SunCar Technology Group Inc.
