Creating Art of the Era, Shaping a New Global Art Landscape
April 9, 2025, 9am
218 Nanshan Road, Shangcheng District
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
China
On the occasion of CAA’s 97th anniversary, the “2025 CAA Report” unveils three key initiatives: Donation ceremony of Zao Wou-Ki’s artworks & inauguration ceremony of the Zao Wou-Ki Research Center, inauguration of Zhejiang Key Research Base: Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Research Center, launch ceremony of Design Intelligence Award’s Innovation Incubation Initiative.
On the same day, CAA also launched a series of events celebrating its 97th anniversary: Black Myth: Wukong art exhibition, “Painting 100” program, Xiao Feng Art Museum opening.
Donation ceremony of Zao Wou-Ki’s artworks & inauguration ceremony of the Zao Wou-Ki Research Center
In recognition of the profound impact of the China Academy of Art’s major exhibition The Way is Infinite—Centennial Retrospective Exhibition of Zao Wou-Ki, the artist’s family has generously donated 213 works to CAA, not only fills a critical gap in the collections of mainland China’s public art museums—particularly in Zao Wou-Ki’s oil paintings—but will also significantly contribute to China’s role in reshaping the narrative of global art history, exerting a lasting and positive influence on Chinese art education and cultural innovation.
To mark this historic donation, the China Academy of Art and the Zao Wou-Ki Foundation will jointly establish an internationally influential Zao Wou-Ki Research Center. Housed under the China Academy of Art Museum, the center will focus on the study and promotion of Zao Wou-Ki’s art through research publications, exhibitions, public education, and global exchanges.
Launch ceremony of Design Intelligence Award’s Innovation Incubation Initiative
On April 9, the Design Intelligence Award (DIA) Innovation Incubation Initiative was officially launched at China Academy of Art. With a decade of innovation, DIA is shaping the future of intelligent manufacturing. In collaboration with tech innovation enterprises like QiangBrain, Yushu, and Yunshen, the initiative introduces a closed-loop model of “Enterprise Proposals – University Solutions—Industry Transformation”, seamlessly connecting industry, academia, and research to turn creativity into reality.
Inauguration of Zhejiang Key Research Base: Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Research Center
On April 9, as part of the 97th anniversary celebrations of the China Academy of Art, the Inauguration of Zhejiang Key Research Base: Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Research Center was held.
In 2023, upholding its pioneering spirit, the China Academy of Art formally established the School of Calligraphy. Now, with the accreditation of this provincial-level research base, the Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Research Center will join forces with the school to carry forward the academy’s tradition of balancing heritage preservation with innovation.
“Painting 100” Program
On April 9, 2025, the “Painting 100” Program officially commenced at the China Academy of Art.
Initiated by the China Artists Association, the program encompasses multiple disciplinary modules including “Children’s Picture Books 100”, “Ceramics 100”, “Animation 100”, and “Painting 100”. Designed as a “seed project” for discovering, nurturing, and promoting young artistic talents, the program aims to preserve and revitalize outstanding traditional Chinese culture while facilitating its creative transformation and innovative development.
Black Myth: Wukong art exhibition
The Black Myth: Wukong art exhibition opened on April 9 at the CAA Art Museum in Hangzhou and will run until May 21.
Curated into seven thematic sections, the exhibition showcases “Black Myth: Wukong”, a groundbreaking Chinese AAA game, through original concept art for game environments and characters, reference photographs from field studies, models, statues, and merchandise. Many of the works are being publicly displayed for the first time.
Xiao Feng Art Museum opening—debuting with Children of the Era: The Art Exhibition of Xiao Feng & Song Ren
On April 9, the Xiao Feng Art Museum officially opened in celebration of the 97th anniversary of China Academy of Art, accompanied by the launch of the exhibition Children of the Era: The Art Exhibition of Xiao Feng & Song Ren.
At the opening ceremony, the 93-year-old Xiao Feng donated 503 core works from their eight-decade artistic journey. The exhibition serves as a valuable resource for contemporary art research and highlights their profound love for their nation and dedication to the spirit of their era.