Luxury Portfolio Vol. 08 Issue 01 - Clark Realty

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The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Cwart KNOKKE-HEIST, BELGIUM

When you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, chances are you’re looking to indulge in the unrivaled street food on nearly every corner, but in between those delicious bánh mì sandwiches and piping hot bowls of pho, The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre is well worth a visit. While Vietnam has a well-known tradition in such artistic mediums as lacquer painting, silk production, and wood craftsmanship, The Factory serves as a multi-disciplinary platform showcasing a new generation of artists, located in the fashionable Thao Dien neighborhood. The building itself — a repurposed warehouse — is a work of art that one enters by walking under an upended shipping container that whimsically comments on the country’s rapid industrialization. Inside, the open layout maintains soaring exposed beams of the building’s past life that complement the contemporary décor. It holds a variety of spaces, from a co- working area to F Bar & Kitchen, where we highly recommend a rooftop cocktail post art viewing. factoryartscentre.com

What was once a farm located near Belgium’s border with the Netherlands now serves as an exhibition space for the town of Knokke-Heist’s vibrant creative community. This seaside resort town, set along the North Sea, is home to only 33,000 people, yet there are more than 40 art galleries and perhaps none as unique as Cwart. Dating back to 1335, the farm was recently transformed into a modern-rustic space that provides opportunities to emerging artists.The off-the- beaten path destination is centered around works that evoke a fully immersive experience, with each project focused on exploring the relationship between traditional art forms and contemporary mediums. Offering a feast for all the senses in a cozy atmosphere, after meandering through the exhibition space one can enjoy local dishes at Cwart’s restaurant or a glass of vino at the stylish wine bar. The multi-functional venue also holds events, film screenings and concerts, and for those who need a place to work, there’s also a co-working space that caters to creatives and entrepreneurs. cwart.be

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