On the afternoon of June 12, the closing ceremony of the “2025 Chengdu Europe Culture Season” Latvian Artists’ Field Trip in Chengdu was held at the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, Chengdu University (CDU), in the Fenghuangshan Cultural Park. Attendees included Li Ming, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government; Peng Xiaolin, Vice President of CDU; representatives from the Latvian artist delegation; and faculty and students from CDU, all gathering to witness the conclusion of this nine-day cultural and artistic exchange between China and Latvia.
The closing ceremony showcased the creative journey of the artists during their field trip in Chengdu. They visited cultural landmarks such as Xieyuan Town and Anren Ancient Town in Dayi , capturing the local vibrancy in Kuanzhai Alley, appreciating modern Chinese art at the Xu Liaoyuan Museum of Modern Art and Design and Tianfu Art Museum, and gathering inspiration from iconic sites like the Jinsha Site Museum and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding . Through workshops with students and faculty at the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, they explored the fusion of Baltic art with Sichuan aesthetics. The artists transcended language barriers with their brushes, beautifully blending the romantic sentiments from across the ocean with the ancient and modern charm of Chengdu, resulting in a “Chengdu Impression” series that reflects both local characteristics and international perspectives.
In his speech, Li Ming expressed that the Latvian artists deeply explored Chengdu's neighborhoods, cultural venues, and natural landscapes, observing, experiencing, and creating from their unique artistic viewpoints. They vividly documented the urban landscape and lifestyle of Chengdu, enriching the cultural and artistic exchange between the two regions. This field trip is like a seed, sowing hope for “people-to-people connections and shared beauty” in the fertile ground of China-Latvia friendship. It is hoped that both sides can continue to work together, deepening exchanges and cooperation in more fields, and jointly write a new chapter in China-Latvia friendly relations.
Peng Xiaolin expressed gratitude on behalf of CDU to the Latvian artists. She noted that the artists not only visited Chengdu's representative cultural landmarks and art venues but also engaged deeply with local communities and ancient towns, facilitating numerous productive interactions with CDU students and faculty. This profound cultural experience and face-to-face artistic dialogue provided valuable learning opportunities, sparked creative inspiration, and sowed seeds of friendship. She emphasized that CDU will continue to leverage its strengths, actively expand cooperation with the international arts community, and create broader platforms for international exchange for its faculty and students.
Chen Yawen, a student from the painting department of CDU, shared her insights from participating in the exchange activities. She expressed deep appreciation to the college for providing such an opportunity to closely follow and learn from the Latvian artists, exchange ideas, and participate in some activities together. The artists’ passionate pursuit of art, unique perspectives, and professional attitudes were truly admirable. Through this activity, students not only deepened their understanding of Latvian art and culture but also broadened their international horizons and enhanced their cross-cultural communication skills.
The event also featured a warm exchange of artworks between Chinese and Latvian artists. Latvian artist representative Natalja Neberekutina presented a painting inspired by this trip, blending the artistic characteristics of both regions to express her deep friendship and gratitude toward Chengdu and its partners. Yang Bo, a teacher from the School of Fine Arts and Design, reciprocated with an artwork showcasing Chengdu's beauty, specifically a depiction of the millennium-old ginkgo tree at Baihuatan, as a precious memento of the friendship and artistic exchange between both sides.
To conclude the event, the Latvian artists performed a thoughtful medley of songs in Latvian, Chinese, and English. Their heartfelt emotions and beautiful melodies transcended language barriers, expressing fond memories and deep affection for Chengdu, bringing a warm and satisfying conclusion to the field trip.
The successful hosting of the “2025 Chengdu Europe Culture Season” Latvian Artists’ Field Trip in Chengdu has built a solid bridge for cultural and artistic exchange between Chengdu and Latvia, effectively promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of both regions. CDU’s College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts will take this field trip as an opportunity to continue advancing China-Latvia cooperation in art education and creative research, ensuring that art becomes a lasting bond for deepening cultural exchanges between the two countries and contributing to the construction of a diverse and mutually enriching international cultural landscape.
Editor: Min Xiuling Executive Editor: Lyu Jia
