Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei, creates the artwork to replace the The Little Mermaid

The Chinese artist Ai Weiwei (known for the Bird's Nest from the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008) has been appointed to create the installation, which will replace the Little Mermaid at Langelinie in Copenhagen. The two artworks will be exchanged for six months, while The Little Mermaid is part of the Danish pavilion at the World EXPO 2010 Shanghai.

Danish Minister of Economic and Business Affairs, Ms. Lene Espersen:

-            I welcome the cultural exchange between China and Denmark initiated by the loan of The Little Mermaid. It is very exciting that it has been possible to get the world-renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei to create an installation for Langelinie. His artwork has been exhibited extensively all over the world and he is probably best known for the artistic design of the Bird's Nest from the Olympic Games in Beijing.  And he will of course create a brand new work of art to replace The Little Mermaid at the Copenhagen harbour.

Lector Dr Phil Maria Fabricius Hansen, Member of the Board of Management, the New Carlsberg Foundation:

-         For us at the New Carlsberg Foundation, it is our pleasure to offer financial and professional support to the making of the exquisite art piece by Ai Weiwei. With great respect and consideration for the importance, which Copenhagen and the Danes attribute to the Little Mermaid, Ai Weiwei has chosen to thematize the loan of the sculpture. Hereby Ai Weiwei’s piece of art supports and enhances the ideas that are also central in the Danish Pavilion in Shanghai: We wish to send the message that generosity and openness are values, which we appreciate.

From May 2010 The Little Mermaid takes a central position in the Danish Pavilion on the World Exhibition in Shanghai. The concept of the pavilion is developed by Bjarke Ingels Group and 2+1 Ideas Agency.