Ai Weiwei Speaking Fee: $75,000 to $100,000

Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese contemporary artist and activist whose work spans a wide array of mediums including sculpture, architecture, photography, and film. Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai experienced a tumultuous childhood as his family was exiled during the Anti-Rightist Campaign due to his father's poetry. This early exposure to political oppression profoundly influenced his artistic vision and quest for social justice. After attending the Beijing Film Academy, Ai moved to the United States in 1981, immersing himself in the vibrant New York art scene. During his time there, he was deeply influenced by artists like Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol, which inspired him to explore conceptual approaches and forms of expression that challenged the boundaries of traditional art. Upon returning to China in the early 1990s, Ai began to incorporate Chinese cultural heritage into his work, fusing it with modern, critical perspectives. Ai Weiwei's art is celebrated for its bold commentary on social and political issues, ranging from government transparency to human rights. One of his most notable projects, the "Sunflower Seeds" installation at Tate Modern in London, featured over a hundred million handcrafted porcelain seeds that spoke to the shared experience of individualism and mass production. His dissidence and criticism of the Chinese government have often led to both acclaim and controversy, including periods of detention and surveillance by authorities. Beyond his artistry, Ai has made significant contributions to architectural design and documentary filmmaking. He was the artistic consultant on the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, for the 2008 Olympics. However, subsequent disillusionment with the political undertones of the event prompted him to distance himself from the project. His documentaries shed light on various social injustices, capturing the resilience of marginalized communities with both empathy and unflinching honesty. Through his multifaceted career, Ai Weiwei continues to provoke dialogue and challenge the status quo. His work serves not only as an artistic expression but as a testament to his commitment to human dignity and freedom of expression. As a keynote speaker, Ai Weiwei brings a unique blend of artistic insight and powerful activist perspective, making him a pivotal voice on the global stage.