SHANGHAI (Reuters) – An artist who won a Chinese award for his work on the Shanghai subway is to receive a million yuan ($1.05 million) from a foundation set up to support artists’ causes, including art exhibitions.
Shanghai Art Festival said on its website that the award was handed over on Thursday to artist Chen Xiaoping, who was awarded the prize in 2015.
It said the artist will receive the prize from the Shanghai International Art Exhibition Fund.
Chen Xiaoping is seen at a train station in Shanghai, China, November 16, 2021.
China is known for its art scene, and a number of prominent artists are known to have received awards for their work, which has also included an artwork by a Japanese artist.
Artists are allowed to choose between four awards, ranging from a state-sponsored scholarship to a permanent residency abroad.
The Shanghai Art Festival, which organises the awards, said the winner would be selected on a basis of merit.
The artist’s work on a subway platform in Shanghai is seen in this illustration taken November 17, 2021 in Shanghai.
Reuters/Carlos BarriaChina’s rising population and soaring wealth are prompting the government to create a new category of awards for the city’s artists.
The Art of China Awards will be based in the new city of Hangzhou and will have a maximum value of 20 million yuan, which can be donated to a local arts foundation.
