The inaugural recipients of the '2026 Asia Arts Awards,' which spotlight new possibilities in Asian cultural arts, were announced in Shanghai, China.
On July 3, the Asia Cultural Arts Committee awarded the '2026 Asia Arts Awards' to artists Reina Lee, Kim Tae-won, and Cho Sung-ok in Shanghai.
The awards were presented by Tak Jong-han, the 28th president of the Korean Association in Shanghai, who celebrated the artistic achievements of the three artists and their contributions to Asian cultural exchange.
The 'Asia Arts Awards' recognize artists who promote the diversity and value of Asian art through outstanding creative activities, fostering exchanges and mutual understanding among artists across national and regional boundaries.
The evaluation criteria encompass not only the quality of the works but also the artists' unique artistic philosophies, ongoing creative efforts, contributions to international cultural exchange, and their impact on the development of Asian art.
The goal is to evolve beyond a simple award ceremony into a prestigious cultural arts platform that discovers capable Asian artists and connects them to the global stage.
The first awardees, Reina Lee, Kim Tae-won, and Cho Sung-ok, are artists who have established distinct artistic languages and unique bodies of work.
They have been recognized for broadening the exchange base among Asian artists through consistent creative activities and participation in international exhibitions, demonstrating the potential of art to connect people and cultures beyond language and borders.
Tak Jong-han stated, "Shanghai is an international city where diverse cultures and arts converge to create new possibilities. I am pleased to present this meaningful award to artists who have contributed to Asian cultural exchange here."
He added, "I hope this award serves as an opportunity for artists from Korea, China, and other Asian countries to engage in more active exchanges, and I look forward to the Asia Arts Awards growing into an international cultural arts award."
Reina Lee expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is a great honor to be selected as the first recipient of the Asia Arts Awards. Art has the power to connect the hearts of people from different languages and cultural backgrounds."
She continued, "I will use this award as a new starting point to incorporate the diverse cultures and emotions of Asia into my work and contribute to creating opportunities for artists from various countries to exchange and grow together."
Kim Tae-won remarked, "This award is a warm encouragement for the creative path I have walked so far and a responsibility to present even deeper works in the future. I will actively participate in exchanges where Asian artists can share their experiences and inspirations while continuously exploring my unique artistic world."
Cho Sung-ok said, "I am deeply moved to receive this meaningful award in Shanghai, where art communicates beyond borders. I believe that the achievements of an artist are not completed alone but deepen through encounters with those who appreciate and empathize with their work."
She added, "I will continue to engage in authentic creative activities, promoting the beauty and value of Korean art and contributing, even in a small way, to expanding cultural exchange in Asia."
The Asia Cultural Arts Committee plans to continue the 'Asia Arts Awards' annually starting this year. The committee aims to discover artists who have built unique artistic worlds and contributed to international cultural exchange across Asia, actively introducing the works and artistic philosophies of awardees through exhibitions and international exchange programs.
A committee representative stated, "The Asia Arts Awards aim not only to celebrate the achievements of the year but also to discover creators who will lead the future of Asian art and connect them to the world as an international cultural arts platform. The names of Reina Lee, Kim Tae-won, and Cho Sung-ok will be recorded as a meaningful first page in the history of the Asia Arts Awards."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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