BRIDGING CULTURE, SCHOLARSHIP, AND THE ART WORLD
Professor Derek Burton Collins is an academic in practice, a connoisseur at heart—dedicated to the stories art tells and the worlds it builds. From ancient relics to modern masterworks, his journey through art is one of insight, reverence, and global connection.
BRIDGING CULTURE, SCHOLARSHIP, AND THE ART WORLD
Professor Derek Burton Collins is an academic in practice, a connoisseur at heart—dedicated to the stories art tells and the worlds it builds. From ancient relics to modern masterworks, his journey through art is one of insight, reverence, and global connection.
Bridging Culture, Building Legacies
Stay connected with Prof. Derek Burton Collins through his newsletter and get behind-the-scenes updates, thought-provoking commentary, and exclusive invitations to talks, exhibitions, and cultural happenings across Hong Kong and Asia.
Vision
Derek’s unique eye transforms ordinary moments into timeless art.
Storytelling
Derek captures not just what you see, but what you feel.
Experience
Years of refined skill and dedication bring depth, emotion, and authenticity to every shot.
SCHOLAR, EDUCATOR, AND ADVOCATE
As former Dean of the Faculty of Arts and current Associate Vice President for Cultural and External Affairs at the University of Hong Kong, Derek Collins has championed the role of the humanities in shaping society, developed interdisciplinary programs, and guided the strategic growth of cultural institutions.
A graduate of Harvard University, Derek’s academic path has taken him from classical studies to cultural strategy, from lecture halls to leadership roles. In 2024, he was honored to be appointed the Founding Director of the Wong How Man Centre for Exploration at HKU.
Seeing Beyond the Surface
An Expert’s Perspective on Art, Meaning, and Mastery
previous Events
The Art Business Conference
A conversation on leadership and trends shaping today’s art industry.
12/02/2025
A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AT TEFAF 2025
Connecting educators and curators to advance global museum learning.
12/02/2025
COLLECTING WITH INSIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTS & EDITIONS
Insights into modern collecting practices and contemporary art editions.
12/02/2025
Everything you
need to know here
Derek combines creativity with purpose — every project is built on authenticity, storytelling, and attention to detail that makes each result stand out.
Absolutely. Derek believes every client and brand has a unique story, so each project is tailored to match your goals, tone, and vision.
Through a mix of experience, precision, and passion. Each step — from concept to delivery — goes through a refined creative process to maintain top quality.
Yes! Derek values long-term partnerships and offers flexible options for continuous projects or content collaborations.
our latest news
COLLECTING WITH INSIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTS & EDITIONS
COLLECTING WITH INSIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTS & EDITIONS COLLECTING WITH INSIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTS & EDITIONS Derek hosted a lively panel for Phillips, bringing together collectors, curators, and design experts to...
A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AT TEFAF 2025
A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AT TEFAF 2025 A GLOBAL CLASSROOM AT TEFAF 2025 For the first time, Derek Collins led a group of Museum Studies master’s students from The University...
AT THE FOREFRONT OF ART BUSINESS
AT THE FOREFRONT OF ART BUSINESS AT THE FOREFRONT OF ART BUSINESS Derek Collins recently attended The Art Business Conference in New York, where thought leaders from across the...
ART MEETS SCIENCE AT HKU
The Art Business Conference ART MEETS SCIENCE AT HKU On behalf of HKU’s Museum Studies programme, Derek Collins recently hosted a thought-provoking conversation at the University Museum and Art...