What I do

The Public Speaker is a cultural storytelling experience centered on the legendary Chelsea Hotel in New York. For more than a century, the Chelsea has been far more than a place to stay — it has been a sanctuary for artists, writers, musicians, and dreamers who shaped the cultural landscape of the city and beyond.

At the heart of this project is Man-Laï Liang, a long-time resident of the Chelsea Hotel who lives in what is known, in true New York fashion, as Room III. Having lived within its walls for decades, she carries a rare perspective on the building’s artistic legacy and the lives that have passed through its halls.

Through The Public Speaker, Man-Laï shares the living history of the Chelsea through immersive narratives that blend personal memories with cultural history. Each story brings the building to life — room by room, moment by moment — revealing the atmosphere, encounters, and creative energy that have made the Chelsea a cultural icon.

Presented at private gatherings, cultural institutions, and special events, these talks invite audiences into a deeply human story of art, creativity, and New York’s bohemian spirit. More than a lecture, it is a journey into a place where lives, art, and memories intertwine.

The Public Speaker transforms the history of the Chelsea Hotel into a living experience — one that allows audiences not only to hear its story, but to feel as though they have stepped inside it.