Sylvia (Xue) Bai '07 - China
- MH Global Alum Alliance
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
We are delighted to share our latest Global Alum Alliance feature interview, as we celebrate the lives and achievements of alums around the world. This In the Spotlight interview focuses on Sylvia (Xue) Bai Class of '07, Art Entrepreneur & Gallerist, in Beijing, Shanghai and London.
Please get in touch if you feel your story would be of interest, or would like to recommend a fellow alum!
Spotlight on…
Name: Sylvia (Xue) Bai
Class Year: 2007
Country: China
Major: Economics, French
Profession: Art Entrepreneur & Advisor
"The art world is quite free-wheeling compared to a typical corporate job, so you need to create the ladder for yourself, as opposed to climbing up the ladder that exists already."
Sylvia (Xue) Bai is a dedicated art entrepreneur, with galleries and exhibitions in both Asia and Europe. In this In the Spotlight interview, Sylvia describes how she ended up working in art after studying economics at MHC, why the art world is safe from AI, and how playing the cello links to something larger. Read on!
1) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I founded my art advisory OnceOnceOnce Art in 2025, and prior to that, I founded Once Gallery in 2021 and curated numerous exhibitions from 2021 to 2024 in Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore. To better respond to the growing needs of my clients, I transitioned the gallery business to an art advisory, based in Beijing, Shanghai and London. In this role, I help my clients acquire artworks and advise them on their art collections, be it new collectors or seasoned collectors.
2) Was there a particular event or time that you recognized that being in the art world would be your life and your living?
After MHC, I first did investment banking in London for two years, then I realized during all my free time, I am looking at art and visiting exhibitions in London, so I started considering combining the following four angles into my professional life: art, business, China, the West.
Then, it was the long journey of quitting banking, getting my Master's Degree at Christie's Education London (University of Glasgow), many art world internships, coming back to China, etc.
I work hard, I am lucky and I ask for help when necessary - so I have been able to make a living doing the profession I love and have been having more impact in the recent years!
3) How did you break into your industry? Did you have a particular role model that pushed you/inspired you/or challenged you to conquer your fears?
The art world is quite free-wheeling compared to a typical corporate job, so you need to create the ladder for yourself, as opposed to climbing up the ladder that exists already.
So I just started small - for example, internships I have done include reception desks at a few London-based art institutions! But I go steady and never gave up, and there is always something new to learn, there was no time to have fears!
4) What’s your favorite part of your job and why do you love working as an entrepreneur in art?
Being able to in control of my time, who I interact with, and where I go.
As an entrepreneur in art, I can best indulge my passion in art and combine it with making a profitable and sustainable business.
Also, a lot of relationships in art are very people-based, and I am naturally good at that. And I love not having to manage a big team - I really dislike bureaucracy and complicated structure.
5) What’s one challenge you faced over the course of the years and how did you manage to overcome it?
The difficulty involved in maintaining good partnerships. The solution is that - treat what happens with an open mind and keep your eyes on the future.
6) What advice would you give to young women today who want to break into this field?
Art is one of the industries that cannot be easily replaced by AI, so if this is what you love, don't look back and don't second guess yourself, trust your instinct and just go for it.
7) How did your MHC experience contribute to your career aspirations?
I first heard "The sky is the limit" while at MHC. It's not a line I keep turning back to over these years to encourage myself per se, but really, there are points when I pause and look at how far I have come along, this line keeps popping up in my mind. So I must say, the foundation of my value system is very MHC - "the sky is the limit".
8) Can you share some of your fondest memories of MHC?
I took some cello lessons while at MHC, and looking back, I really enjoyed practicing cello on my own in the very cold winter days in Pratt Hall. It's complete solitude yet with music, the whole universe is at my finger tips.
Learning cello is utterly not for any practical purpose, and this reminds me that life is far more than just numbers and pragmatism.
Interview conducted Summer 2025 by Eleanor Chang '78 and Silvia Maulini '80
