PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Truth to Power
Ai Weiwei, Artist
11:45-13:30 Monday, October 24, 2022
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.
Ai Weiwei's work across multiple disciplines including poetry, photography, sculpture and documentary, has made him perhaps the most famous contemporary artist in the world today. His fearless commentary and activism against repression and censorship has brought him into direct and bitter conflict with the authorities in his native China. He has lived in self-imposed exile in Europe - sparing no criticism against the continent's own human right violations - since 2015 after being allowed to leave China, following years of tension with the government, climaxing in 81 days imprisonment without charge.
He has recently been in the news with a series of provocative articles about China's massive belt-and-road initiative, a $1 trillion infrastructure project involving over 140 countries that in his words demonstrates "political ambition beyond commerce. As ever putting truth to power he asks the key question: "Who will be the centre of the world? Who will rise to world power?"
Ai Weiwei will be in Japan this month to receive the prestigious "Praemium Imperiale" (https://www.praemiumimperiale.org/en/) and has agreed to come to the FCCJ to discuss his legacy, work and why he thinks artists should also be activists. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a remarkable man once described as having the manner of a priest but the language of a revolutionary.
How to attend the event in person:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. To attend this event, the lunch charge for members is 2,500 yen (+ tax) and for non-members 3,500 yen (+ tax) and registration/cancellation deadlines are at noon on October 20, Thursday. Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. Please note lunch will not be served after the speech begins and working journalists and student members can attend the event after the meal service for free.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/vpPVsoXow5HbNphy5
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form.
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event.
Professional Activities Committee