2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the 26th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Chengdu and St. Petersburg, as well as the "China-Russia Cultural Year". During this time, abundant and diverse cultural exchange activities are taking place between the two countries.

On the afternoon of June 27, the "Sister City Artworks - St. Petersburg and Chengdu International Art Exchange Exhibition", organized by the Chengdu Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CDFLAC) and the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts at Chengdu University (CDU), opened at the Chengdu ASEAN Art Museum.

Chen Zhicai, Vice Chairperson of CDFLAC and Vice Chairperson of the Chengdu Artists Association, attended the ceremony and announced the opening of the exhibition. Chen Rong, Vice Chairperson of CDFLAC, Chairperson of Chengdu Literature and Art Critics Association, and Vice Chairperson of Chengdu Artists Association; Yang Li, Vice Chairperson of CDFLAC and President of Nongyuan Group; Zhou Xiaoji, Secretary of the Party Committee of College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, CDU; participating artists from Russia and Chengdu; guests from Chengdu Artists Association and Chengdu Literature and Art Critics Association; and representatives of teachers and students from School of Fine Arts and Design, College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, CDU, all attended the opening ceremony.

This exhibition is an important part of the "Chengdu + Sister Cities" cultural exchange activities organized by CDFLAC. It aims to strengthen the friendship between the people of the two cities and promote in-depth cultural exchange between them through art, a universal language that transcends borders. The exhibition features original artworks by 5 Russian artists and 5 Chengdu artists. It also co-exhibits works by teachers and students from the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts at CDU.

Ran Yisong, Director of the International Department at the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, CDU, delivered a speech and welcomed the guests attending the opening ceremony. He stated that art is a bridge that transcends borders and connects hearts. This art exhibition is a friendly exchange between young artists from China and Russia, as well as an important event for the art circles of Chengdu and St. Petersburg. He expressed the hope that this joint art exhibition can serve as an opportunity and a starting point to establish a platform for the exchange of ideas, academic learning, talent exchange, and showcase of achievements between teachers and students of both sides. Under the bond and connection of international sister cities, it plays a leading role in the fields of education, culture, and art, using art to connect the world and foster mutual learning between civilizations.

Maria Trautwein, representing the Russian artists, and Chen Rong, representing the Chengdu participants, delivered successive speeches. They expressed their hopes for more frequent and in-depth cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Russia in the field of art. As sister cities, Chengdu and St. Petersburg will continue to collaborate closely, further promoting the prosperity and development of cultural and artistic endeavors between the two countries.

Artists from Russia shared and exchanged ideas with their counterparts in Chengdu. Through the universal language of art, artists discussed their artistic ideas, creation experience, and prospects for future art development. Shu Di, a young teacher from the Painting Department at the School of Fine Arts and Design and a former student in Russia, participated in the exchange and engaged in an in-depth discussion with Russian artists on various topics concerning painting in the age of artificial intelligence, including developmental trends, technical applications, and artistic innovation.

After the opening ceremony, guests were free to explore the art exhibition and the Traditional Crafts Institute. Artists from Chengdu created artworks on the spot, allowing the Russian artists to witness the unique charm of China's ink wash painting.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge. Everyone is welcome to visit and experience the artistic collision between St. Petersburg and Chengdu.