Sara Mao is an esteemed Art & Luxury educator, Asian art specialist, and Auctioneer, boasting over 17 years of experience in the global art and auction market. Currently, she serves as the founder of The Culture Atelier, a platform dedicated to fostering art, luxury, and cultural dialogue through art education, cultural strategy, and bespoke advisory services.
Previously, Sara held the position of Director of Christie’s Education Asia Pacific, where she led impactful programs in Art Business, Luxury, and Women Artists, nurturing the next generation of collectors and cultural leaders. She played a pivotal role in driving strategic growth for Christie’s Asia, focusing on business development, academic programming, and cultural partnerships. A passionate advocate for art, innovation, and sustainability, she has curated significant initiatives, including the Christie’s Art + Tech Summit, the Art & Sustainability Summit, and the Academic Conference on the Chinese Art Market.
Earlier in her career, Sara led auctions of Chinese Modern Paintings, achieving record-breaking results, such as Fu Baoshi’s The Song of the Pipa Player, which sold for HKD 204.8 million. As an auctioneer, she actively supports philanthropic causes through charity auctions for organisations like Save the Children and UNICEF. Additionally, Sara serves on the Board of the Sovereign Art Foundation, promoting art education and youth empowerment across Asia.