About Cultural Philanthropy

Art Linguistics

In 2023, an art historian and a brand strategist came together around a shared question: how might we rethink social impact and cultural legacy in a complex and changing world?

Art Linguistics, Michelle’s partnership with Vernice Chua, is a new-model cultural philanthropy advisory that understands cultural value as more than economic return, focusing instead on long-term impact, sustainable cultural ecosystems, and intergenerational legacy.

As a contemporary art historian–curator, Michelle brings a deep understanding of how cultural value is produced, circulated, and sustained over time. Her work draws on art historical research, curatorial practice, and cross-cultural experience to situate philanthropic initiatives within broader socio-political, economic, and historical contexts—ensuring that cultural engagement is both critically grounded and future-oriented.

For Art Linguistics, Michelle translates her expertise across the academy, the art market, and museum contexts into designing a tailored framework of philanthropic approaches specific to the cultural sphere. These include legacy planning and collection stewardship, valuation and conservation, as well as exhibition planning and publications. Her guidance emphasizes coherence, long-term vision, and alignment between personal ideals, cultural ambition, and lasting public value.

  • Michelle Lim and Vernice Chua. We're two friends dedicated to building with purpose and clarity. Collaboration and curiosity drive everything we do.

  • We believe in keeping things simple, smart, and human. Every project starts with listening and ends with something we're proud to share.

  • From private collectors to public organizations, we partner with people who care about doing things right—and doing them well.