Pablo Ganguli is or has been many things in the art and culture world: Ariel in The Tempest, culture king, leading literary salonista, cultural diplomat. The list is endless. Fittingly, the 28-year-old entrepreneur has created and cultivated a new kind of cultural diplomacy all over the world, in the form of festival, Liberatum.
We sat down with Ganguli to learn about him and his brainchild that will be coming to Hong Kong on April 27.
Asia Tatler: What does Liberatum stand for?
Pablo Ganguli: It stands for freedom. Cultural freedom. Artistic exploration. Riveting and engaging cultural dialogues.
Asia Tatler: What do you stand for?
Pablo Ganguli: Freedom of speech. Fairness. Humour.
Asia Tatler: How did you come up with the idea of Liberatum?
Pablo Ganguli: I wanted to connect the world through open-to-all and accessible artistic ventures with some of the greatest minds of our time. It came to me naturally.
FilmAid hosted a star-studded event at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom.
Asia Tatler: What are your responsibilities?
Pablo Ganguli: To create, create and create. Give culture to the world and its people. Educational and inspiring opportunities for young men and women.
Asia Tatler: You have been called a cultural diplomat. How would you define a cultural diplomat?
Pablo Ganguli: Someone who keeps his opinions to himself and pays respect to local culture.
Asia Tatler: Why did you choose Hong Kong as the next host city?
Pablo Ganguli: Because Hong Kong called me on an emotional level. I felt it.
We take a tour with White Cube Asia’s gallery director to find out what the English transplant has to offer Hong Kong.
Asia Tatler: What is your personal connection to the city?
Pablo Ganguli: I treated a lover rather poorly when we travelled to Hong Kong for the first time. I was 18. Not an excuse. I hope that person forgives me. I have strong memories.
Asia Tatler: What can people expect from Liberatum Hong Kong?
Pablo Ganguli: Happiness, a rare gift.
Asia Tatler: Who are you looking forward to seeing in Hong Kong?
Pablo Ganguli: Hopefully Wong Kar-wai.
Asia Tatler: How do you choose the guests for the event?
Pablo Ganguli: I don't 'choose' guests. I create my artistic programmes according to my moods, feelings, understanding of the world, current affairs, cultural developments at that particular period. But also because they all represent different art forms and most of them have not collaborated with each other before.
Asia Tatler: Who are your biggest inspirations/mentors?
Pablo Ganguli: None of them are alive. I'm inspired by Diaghilev, Picasso, Dali, Mozart, Bette Davis, Kubrick, Capote.
Find out who are some of the stars coming to Liberatum Hong Kong this April.
