Yang Yijia, curator of the Shanghai Huacui Contemporary Art Museum (left) signs an agreement with Laura Gallon, founder and member of the board of directors of MoCA, on March 21. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shanghai's Huacui Contemporary Art Museum has signed an agreement with Modern and Commentary Art, an Italian cultural association abbreviated as MoCA, to launch the 2024-2025 art residency program for the 19th Arte Laguna Prize.

The agreement, signed on March 21 by Laura Gallon, founder and member of the board of directors of MoCA, and Yang Yijia, curator of the Shanghai-based museum, aims to advance contemporary art, nurture the growth of the art industry, and foster cultural exchange between China and the global art community, according to both of the signing parties.

Participating artists in the residency program, intended as a platform for international collaboration and idea exchange, will receive comprehensive support, including accommodation, studio space, dining, and the opportunity to engage in conferences, seminars, and lectures. This provides them with a chance to interact with collectors, art critics, the press, and local artists. Additionally, artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their works in various exhibitions at the museum, both in Shanghai and Sanya.

During the signing ceremony, Yang highlighted the recent achievements of the Huacui Contemporary Art Museum in exhibitions, public education and publishing, while also presenting concepts and plans for the residency program.

Gallon emphasized that the international artist residency program is a pivotal activity of the Arte Laguna Prize and expressed their anticipation of exploring and embracing the spirit and value of Chinese art with the participating artists.

MoCA, headquartered in Venice, founded Arte Laguna Prize in 2006. The award stands as one of the most influential accolades in the art and design industry worldwide, covering a wide range of visual arts fields, including painting, sculpture, photography, video art, performance and virtual digital art.