Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee is a curator, arts leader, and CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver. Her research and curatorial practice explore contemporary art, social practice, migration, and Chinese Canadian histories.

Her recent exhibitions include Dream Factory: Cantopop Mandopop 1980s–2000s, recipient of the 2025 Canadian Museums Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Exhibitions, and Momentum: Power and Identity in Sport (2026) which features acclaimed artists including Rirkrit Tiravanija, YOUNG-HAE CHANG HEAVY INDUSTRIES, Wong Ping, and Felicia Chang. She also curated JOUEZ / PLAY by Rirkrit Tiravanija at the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art in Montreal.

Previously, Melissa served as Director of Education and Public Programs at the Vancouver Art Gallery and as a founding curator at Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts in Hong Kong. She holds degrees from McGill University, the University of Canterbury, and Lancaster University.