Chongqing - On May 10, the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (SCFAI) Museum buzzed excitedly as the "Let's Create! Global Creative Masters in Chongqing" event launched in a vibrant, international atmosphere. Seven renowned Italian artists, designers, and scholars gathered to collaborate with local Chongqing intangible cultural heritage (ICH) inheritors, SCFAI representatives, and cultural creative organizations. The week-long program, co-hosted by the Chongqing lnternational Culture Association (CICA), and SCFAI, aims to fuse local culture with global creative perspectives, showcasing Chongqing's unique Bayu culture while fostering international cooperation.

Bian Minggao, Deputy Inspector of the Chongqing Publicity Department, invoked Leonardo da Vinci's belief that "art is the bridge between souls," emphasizing Chongqing's role as China's "Western Design Capital." Since Italy's Global Design Day debuted here in 2019, China-Italy design collaboration has deepened. The theme of "Creating to See the World" reflects a human-centric approach to cultural exchange, blending inbound creativity with outbound cultural storytelling.

SCFAI Vice President Duan Shengfeng highlighted the institute's global footprint: more than 230 joint exhibitions with top art schools across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, as well as partnerships with 100+ international institutions. "This event is a milestone in our mission to elevate Chongqing’s artistic dialogue," he said, underscoring plans to boost international programs and solidify SCFAI’s brand as a study-abroad destination.

The Italian designers were listening to Chinese designers about their design concepts (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

During his speech at the opening ceremony, Italian artist Carlo Pizzichini from Milan's Brera Academy marveled at Chongqing's "chaotic aesthetic"—where Hongya Cave's stilted houses cast golden reflections beside cyberpunk skyscrapers and fiery hotpot aromas entwined with futuristic overpasses. "This is a duet of tradition and innovation," he said, pledging to channel this inspiration into original works.

Six international designers were paired with ICH inheritors from five Chongqing districts (Dazu, Jiangjin, Yongchuan, Rongchang, Yunyang) and local cultural product entities to exchange cultural tokens. These districts were awarded "Bayu Creative International Workshop" designations.

The Italian designers were observing SCFAI students craft their works (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

Before the ceremony, the designers journeyed in the centre of Chongqing, exploring urban landmarks like Chongqing Cableway and Xiahaoli. On the same day, the opening ceremony was followed by Italian guests visiting design workshops and a salon in SCFAI, where they exchanged thoughts with the students about modern design. From May 11, the delegation will tour regional cultural sites in different districts of Chongqing, studying ICH techniques and co-creating "Chongqing-inspired" designs - from fashion to furniture - for global exhibitions.

This initiative not only bridges Chongqing’s heritage with contemporary design but also propels the city closer to its vision of becoming an "International Design Capital."