Award-Winning Chinese Artist, Documentarian & Activist; Known for Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium; Director of "Human Flow"

Berlin, Germany
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Ai Weiwei Biography

Ai Weiwei, a Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and activist, has consistently been an open critic of the Chinese Government's stance on democracy and human rights. He has notably used his art to comment on social and political issues, creating works such as "Sunflower Seeds" and contributing to the architectural design of the Beijing National Stadium. His documentaries, including "Human Flow" and "Coronation," further express his viewpoints. In addition to his work in China, Ai has lived in Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom since 2015, and he founded the architecture studio FAKE Design in 2003. His involvement in the art exhibition "Fuck Off" and his role on the Board of Advisors for the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) also reflect his commitment to free expression.

Ai's dedication to unearthing truth has been displayed through his investigation of government corruption and cover-ups, notably the Sichuan schools corruption scandal following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. His blog, declared the fourth greatest work of performance art ever by Dale Eisinger of Complex in 2013, was a key platform for his "Citizens' Investigation" into the tragedy. Despite facing house arrest, an 81-day detention in 2011, and studio raids, Ai remained tenacious, publishing the names of 5,385 student victims and documenting the investigation on his blog until it was shut down by Chinese authorities. His release was demanded by international governments, human rights groups, and art institutions alike, reflecting the global impact of his work.

Throughout his career, Ai has won numerous accolades such as the Lifetime Contribution Award from the Chinese Contemporary Art Award (CCAA) in 2008. He co-curated the "Hans van Dijk: 5000 Names" exhibition at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) in 2014 and has used various mediums to create significant works focusing on human rights abuses. His advocacy for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his contributions to exhibitions like the virtual British art exhibition "The Great Big Art Exhibition" underscore his ongoing commitment to activism and free speech. Ai continues to reside in Portugal and maintains a studio in Berlin, remaining a vocal critic of censorship and an advocate for human rights.

BOOK Ai Weiwei

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/27/2025.

Ai Weiwei Videos

BK TALKS. In Conversation: Ai Weiwei

BK TALKS. In Conversation: Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei is a globally recognized artist and activist.

Ai Weiwei: Why is “Power so afraid of art and poets?”

Ai Weiwei: Why is “Power so afraid of art and poets?”

Ai Weiwei writes that “Artists should 'ignite stories fight for freedom and help us hope.'”

Timelapse of Ai Weiwei's Forever Bicycles Build - Toronto, 2013 ...

Timelapse of Ai Weiwei's Forever Bicycles Build - Toronto, 2013 ...

See Ai Weiwei's spectacular Forever Bicycles installation consisting of 3,144 bikes, come together on Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square over the...

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  • What topics does Ai Weiwei speak about?

    Ai Weiwei is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art & Design, Author, Business, Business Leadership, Creativity, Innovation
  • Where does Ai Weiwei travel from?

    Ai Weiwei generally travels from Berlin, Germany, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Ai Weiwei is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ai Weiwei for your event is available upon request. Ai Weiwei generally travels from Berlin, Germany and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Matthew Luhn, Jeff Koons, Scott Harrison, Tiffany Shlain and Jimmy Wales. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ai Weiwei for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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