Chongqing – On January 5, 2026, the vibrant results of a unique cultural bridge between China and Italy were showcased at the Chongqing Global Lounge. Guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and co-hosted by the Chongqing International Culture Association and the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, the achievement showcase for the "Let's Create! Global Creative Masters in Chongqing" highlighted 70 co-created works and launched a new AIGC International Creative Workshop, forging a sustainable path for bringing local culture to a global audience.

On January 5, 2026, the achievement showcase for the "Let's Create! Global Creative Masters in Chongqing" was held at the Chongqing Global Lounge. (Photo/Deng Nan)

The event celebrated the fruits of a collaborative journey that began in May 2025, when seven Italian artists immersed themselves in the heart of Bayu culture across Chongqing's districts. Working alongside local masters of intangible cultural heritage in temporary international workshops, they transformed traditional elements into a contemporary collection spanning home decor, jewelry, and daily utensils.

Carlo Pizzichini, Professor at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, presented the outcomes. "The landscapes, craftsmanship, and spirit of Chongqing provided boundless inspiration," he remarked. "Design is a universal language, and this project has created a meaningful dialogue." A standout success is the Yongchuan Xiuya (a type of green tea), which, through this initiative, has secured collaboration agreements with iconic Italian fashion houses Roberto Cavalli and Missoni, with gift sets already entering the Milan market.

Carlo Pizzichini, Professor at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, gave a speech. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Additionally, among the newly released collections, the Yunyang series features a dragon-pattern ceramic cup crafted with detailed pad printing techniques, while the handcrafted "Gangzi Noodle Bracelet" innovatively merges Italian weaving methods with Chongqing's iconic noodle culture, resulting in an edible yet wearable playful design. The Dazu series introduces home decor items inspired by rock-carving motifs, reimagined as modern pieces with subtle bas-relief textures. In the Jiangjin collection, a rose-shaped necklace made of premium Jiangjin jade and set in white gold reflects a graceful blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics. The Rongchang series showcases bags made from traditional grass cloth, breaking through conventional craftsmanship limits and breathing new life into intangible cultural heritage fabrics with contemporary silhouettes. The Chongqing City series includes a "Rail-through-Building" themed mug, created with 3D printing to capture the city’s unique transportation landscape, and a camellia badge that beautifully combines Chongqing’s city flower with Italian enamel artistry.

Carlo Pizzichini, Professor at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, presented the outcomes. (Photo/Deng Nan)

To solidify this fusion of heritage and innovation, the new AIGC International Creative Workshop was formally inaugurated. This joint venture between the Chongqing International Culture Association, Professor Carlo Pizzichini, Damu Pictures, and Chongqing Nihao Wenshan Cultural Creativity Co., Ltd., aims to build a lasting ecosystem that reimagines local cultural assets through artificial intelligence and promotes them on global platforms.

The new AIGC International Creative Workshop was formally inaugurated. (Photo/Deng Nan)

The workshop's technological foundation was demonstrated by experts, including Han Hongpeng from Volcano Engine, who illustrated how AI can interpret and visualize cultural motifs. Wu Kai, Chairman of Damu Pictures, emphasized the strategic vision: "We aim to tell Chinese stories using the common language of global technology, ensuring they resonate worldwide."

A dialogue about AIGC between Professionals. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Guan Hong, President of Chongqing International Culture Association, connected the partnership to the broader 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations. "We are transitioning from individual events to establishing lasting mechanisms," he stated. "This is about integrating Chongqing's cultural narrative into the world's ongoing creative conversation."

The event concluded with a symbolic gift exchange, cementing the personal and professional bonds formed through this cross-cultural endeavor. The launch of the workshop marks a committed step toward a future in which Chongqing's rich heritage, powered by international collaboration and cutting-edge technology, finds new resonance across the globe.