Honored at the Massachusetts State House: Celebrating Creative Individual Grant
May 20, 2025 · Fei Wu
Today, May 19, 2025, was a day I’ll never forget. My mother, Xiang Li, was honored at the Massachusetts State House as a recipient of the Mass Cultural Council’s Creative Individual Grant. We were joined by my partner Adam Leffert and our dear friend Jorge Fuentes for the celebration—an incredible gathering of artists and advocates from across the Commonwealth.
Walking through the grand halls of the State House, surrounded by painters, musicians, writers, and creators of every kind, I felt deeply moved. This grant isn’t just funding—it’s a recognition of my mother’s lifelong devotion to art and the profound stories she tells through her work, especially her iconic collection of Chinese empresses painted on silk using gemstone pigments.
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A Celebration of Creative Lives
The event was beautifully organized and filled with warmth and pride. The Mass Cultural Council brought together over 400 artists from across Massachusetts who, like my mother, were selected for this competitive grant. These were not just names on a list, but vibrant stories of persistence, culture, and creativity. It was such a gift to meet fellow artists, hear their journeys, and celebrate together in such a historic space.
This year, $2.2 million in grants were awarded to 447 artists, each receiving $5,000 in unrestricted funding. I was especially touched to learn that 98% of recipients are first-time awardees, showing how much effort the Council has made to reach new voices, emerging talent, and underrepresented communities.
Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council, invited creators who have received funding to stand up. Xiang Li did just before she took a bite of some wheat crackers 🙂
What This Grant Means to Us
For my mother, this moment validates decades of passion and discipline. From her early years at the Forbidden City restoring ancient Chinese masterpieces, to the past 12 years painting more than 200 empresses here in the U.S., this work has always been personal and deeply meaningful. But receiving recognition from our new home—Massachusetts—means everything. It strengthens her belief that art can cross borders and touch hearts, regardless of language or origin.
For me, as her daughter and creative partner, this is a reminder that even when the path feels long or unseen, our work matters. Being able to document, translate, and share her vision with the world is one of the greatest honors of my life.
About the Grant and the Council
The Mass Cultural Council is an extraordinary agency committed to promoting excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Their Grants for Creative Individuals program is designed to support the bold, ongoing work of Massachusetts-based artists—people who carry culture, history, and innovation into every neighborhood and community.
Learn more about the program and see the full list of 2025 recipients here:
👉 Funding List – Creative Individuals
We are beyond grateful to be part of this community and this moment in history.
Video clip below showcases the beautiful Memorial Hall on the 2nd floor of the Massachusetts State House.
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What’s Next?
We’ve captured so many photos and videos from today’s celebration—we’ll be sharing them soon on our blog and across Xiang Li Art’s Instagram and YouTube. Stay tuned for those behind-the-scenes glimpses and reflections.
To everyone who’s supported us on this journey: thank you. And to the Mass Cultural Council: we are filled with gratitude.
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