By: Izzy Grace

At the 2025 TJCCNY Industry Mixer in New York City, the spotlight turned to the arts when Xitong (Molly) Zhang, co-founder of the Dawn Eleven Contemporary Art Foundation (DeCA), took to the stage for a fireside chat on Art & Design. With an audience of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives, Zhang shared her journey of founding a Gen Z-driven arts nonprofit and the lessons she has learned about building community, fostering dialogue, and shaping culture through contemporary art.

A Young Foundation With Big Ambitions

Zhang recounted how DeCA was launched in 2024, during her second year of graduate studies at NYU. “As an international student at that time, I was meeting so many young artists doing amazing work, but they didn’t really have the platform or support to grow. I could feel that gap very clearly.”

From that realization, DeCA was born. In just one year, the nonprofit has organized four exhibitions, hosted eight membership events, and supported more than thirty emerging artists and curators. “What excites me most isn’t the numbers,” Zhang explained, “but being able to give real, tangible support — including grants — and to see them grow and move forward.”

She illustrated this impact with stories: a first-time curator supported by DeCA last fall has already secured her next exhibition, while an artist from the foundation’s inaugural show recently had her work acquired by a major Boston museum. “Those are the most meaningful moments,” Zhang reflected.

DeCA has also been intentional about building connections across the broader art ecosystem. During Asian Art Week, the foundation partnered with Christie’s auction house to host a private membership event. “For us, it’s about creating a platform between artists, curators, collectors, and institutions — and those connections that can lead to new opportunities,” she said.

Curating as Experience

When asked about her curatorial approach, Zhang emphasized experience over aesthetics. “It’s not only about the curatorial concept itself, but also about the kind of experience we’re creating,” she explained.

DeCA’s events often blur the line between exhibition and participation. Earlier this year, the foundation hosted an Art & Wine Dialogue at Central Park Tower, where members shared a glass of wine, spoke directly with artists, and connected with one another. Other programs have included ice-dyeing workshops, collaborative painting sessions, and art therapy activities. “It really creates a sense of community — the audience isn’t just viewers anymore, they become participants in the experience,” Zhang said.

Bridging the Gap in Contemporary Art

Encouraging young people to engage with contemporary art doesn’t come without challenges. Zhang acknowledged the sense of distance and intimidation that many feel when stepping into a gallery. “A lot of times people walk into a gallery, see works on white walls, and think, what is this about? Why is a banana taped to a wall considered art?” she said, drawing knowing laughter from the audience.

“The real challenges are, first, this sense of distance or confusion, and second, the lack of a community to process those questions together. That’s why DeCA isn’t just about supporting artists and curators — it’s also about creating dialogue, and engaging broader audiences to have those conversations.”

Thoughtful Collaborations

When asked about her dream collaboration, Zhang pointed to a recent viral project by artist Cai Guo-Qiang and outdoor brand Arc’teryx, which staged fireworks in the Himalayas. The work sparked wide debate around ecology, cultural sensitivity, and the responsibilities that come with artistic partnerships.

“To me, it shows that collaborations aren’t just about artistic vision, but also about who the stakeholders are, who’s involved, and who might be impacted,” Zhang noted. “Of course, collaborations should be bold and inspiring, but they also need to be thoughtful — respecting the context, the people, and the communities involved.”

Finding Inspiration and Advice

Zhang shared that she often finds inspiration in the smaller galleries of the Lower East Side. “Especially when they all have openings on the same night — you can walk from one space to another, run into artists, curators, collectors, even neighbors, and everyone’s sharing that energy together,” she said. “It’s really chill with friends — seeing new art and feeling part of a community.”

For those hoping to enter the art world, Zhang offered straightforward advice: “Don’t be shy — just show up. Go to art events, gallery openings, and exhibitions. Talk to people, ask questions, and then follow up.” She added with a smile, “Honestly, my very first internship in New York happened exactly that way — I was gallery hopping with a collector friend, met a gallery owner, and that turned into my first opportunity.”

Reflecting on her own path, Zhang admitted she never expected to be running an art foundation so early in her career. “When I first came to New York, I never imagined that by my second year of grad school I’d be starting an art foundation. I’ve been very lucky to meet amazing partners and to have so much support along the way. If you really care about it and show that passion, people can feel it. And often, that opens the door to the next opportunity.”

A Vision for the Future

As the conversation drew to a close, it was clear that Zhang represents a new generation of cultural leaders — those who view art not merely as objects on display but as a catalyst for community, dialogue, and connection. Her message resonated strongly with the audience at the TJCCNY mixer: that the future of art is not just about aesthetics, but about experience, community, and collaboration.