Milan Zou

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

MA Project - Restricted Access (SIA Only)

Project Type

MA Project - Business Plan

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Art Business

First Advisor

Brendan Burns

Second Advisor

Leo Krakowsky

Abstract

MiMi Art Space is a pioneering cultural hub that blends the intimacy of an artist’s studio with the accessibility of a gallery, creating an immersive environment where art, food, and community converge. Situated in London’s vibrant Shoreditch neighborhood, a renowned destination for its dynamic art scene and creative energy, MiMi Art Space embraces the area’s spirit of innovation. The diverse community of artists, designers, and art enthusiasts makes Shoreditch the ideal backdrop for MiMi Art Space’s mission to redefine the art experience. Founded by visionary artists Fei Li and Milan Zou, MiMi Art Space offers a rare opportunity for patrons to experience art as an essential part of everyday life. The space occupies a unique position between traditional gallery and studio models, breaking down barriers that often separate artists from their audiences. Unlike the distant or overly commercialized feeling conveyed by conventional galleries, MiMi Art Space fosters a welcoming, interactive environment where visitors are invited to engage deeply with art and the creative process. At the core of MiMi Art Space are open studio exhibitions led individually by founders Fei Li and Milan Zou, demystifying the art-making process by offering a transparent view into each artist’s creative world. Rooted in data and sound art, Fei’s work explores themes of digital identity and societal impact, while Milan’s paintings investigate cultural heritage and self-expression within a globalized context. Visitors can witness the evolution of each piece from early sketches to completed works and are encouraged to ask questions, explore the materials and tools used, and gain insights into each artist’s inspirations and methods. This direct engagement transforms the typical art experience into a living, evolving process, fostering a meaningful connection between artist and audience and inviting people to see art as both a practice and a journey. Complementing the open studios, MiMi Art Space also features the art studio dining project, a unique culinary experience pairing Sichuan-inspired cuisine with the immersive setting of an intimate gallery. This seasonal, six-course menu, priced at £138 per pair, invites patrons to enjoy the richness of Sichuan culture through flavors meant to be shared, enhancing the communal aspect of both dining and art appreciation. Each dish is crafted to reflect Sichuan cuisine’s heritage while creating a harmonious connection with Fei and Milan’s surrounding artworks. The dining experience becomes a sensory dialogue between culinary and visual arts, allowing guests to appreciate both in an interactive way that is layered with cultural meaning. By merging food and art, the art studio dining project offers a unique experience that redefines traditional gallery dining. MiMi Art Space also hosts quarterly artist-sharing events, bringing together a diverse range of guest artists to share their creative processes, inspirations, and insights. Each event is centered on a specific theme, allowing attendees to explore various artistic practices, from photography and illustration to abstract painting and digital media. These events often include hands-on activities, allowing guests to experiment with techniques firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation of the creative process. Each event is paired with traditional Chinese snacks carefully selected to reflect the event’s theme, adding a sensory and cultural depth. For example, a landscape photography event might feature teas and delicate snacks, while an abstract painting session might include bold, spicy flavors that echo the artwork’s energy. This attention to sensory detail makes each artist-sharing event a multi-sensory experience, enriching the connection between art, culture, and community. MiMi Art Space redefines how art can be enjoyed and experienced by combining the openness of an artist’s studio, the experiential appeal of gallery dining, and the warmth of communal cultural events. Through its thoughtful, inclusive approach, MiMi Art Space creates a sanctuary for creative expression and cultural exchange, inviting patrons to see art as a vibrant, integral part of life. The unique Shoreditch setting further enhances this vision, positioning MiMi Art Space as a beacon of innovation and connection in one of London’s most dynamic creative districts.

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