China arrests its leading artist as political dissident. You can help him.

[Divernan]

I'm passing along a request I received to join with the directors of the Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, and Tate Museums, among others, to sign a petition to the Chinese government to release China's most famous artist, who was arrested a few weeks ago as a political dissenter. More information is available when you click on the "Tell the Chinese government to release artist Ai Weiwei."

I note that Yoko Ono has recently twittered about this to generate support for the artist. If you are comfortable signing the petition, would you please likewise spread this request for support to your fellow artists/creative friends and others you know who love art and/or freedom of political and artistic expression.

Thank you so much for your time in considering this.
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Dear Nancy,

Ai Weiwei is the most famous artist in China, best known for his iconic "Bird's Nest" stadium that was the focal point of the Beijing Olympics.

Ai has always pushed the envelope, both with his internationally-acclaimed art and with his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government.

But these past weeks have brought Beijing's harshest crackdown on dissidents in more than a decade. And on April 3rd, government agents arrested Ai at the Beijing airport and seized papers and computers from his studio.

We don't know where Ai is now. The Chinese government is holding him on flimsy charges of "economic crimes" -- an allegation often used to silence dissenters.

Twelve leading figures in the international arts world, including the directors of the Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, and Tate Museum, have started a petition on Change.org demanding that the Chinese government free Ai Weiwei.

The regime in Beijing has proven largely resistant to pressure from foreign governments. But they've made a huge push to raise China's profile in the arts -- the government just finished building the world's largest art museum. Widespread condemnation, led by the arts community, may be our best chance to save his life.

Please sign the petition to free Ai Weiwei as soon as possible:

http://www.change.org/petitions/call-for-the-release-of-ai-weiwei?alert_id=fxCNwgJNhz_NojEYuoBNf&me=aa

Thanks for taking action