A partnership between the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris and the Zao Wou-Ki Foundation, launched in 2022, provides for the awarding of four scholarships per year, intended to support the artistic careers of French and Chinese students and graduates of the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris and the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou.
A 2023 graduate of the Beaux-Arts de Paris, Milana Gabriel is a recipient of the third edition of the Zao Wou-Ki Foundation’s post-graduate fellowships. This financial support enables her to conduct artistic and anthropological research in China focused on kites. Several residencies, notably in Weifang and Hangzhou (By Art Matter), have allowed her to participate in kite-making workshops, gatherings, festivals, and exhibitions—all of which provide opportunities to engage with artisans, engineers, artists, collectors, and researchers.
These excellent working conditions have enabled this young artist with a highly international background to deepen her understanding of the symbolism and craftsmanship of kites. Projects in Mexico and France are planned for 2026 and 2027.
The winners of the two previous editions are: Swann Ronné, a 2021 graduate, who will participate in a residency followed by an exhibition at the Galaxy Museum in Chongqing in 2023 and 2024, and Arthur Dujols-Luquet, a 2023 graduate, two semesters in Hangzhou in 2024 and 2025—one as part of a program at the China Academy and the other in residence at the 404 Cultural Center—to refine his practice in drawing, dance performance, and video.
