"2025 Chengdu Europe Culture Season" Latvian Artists' Field Trip in Chengdu Concludes Successfully
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 Phoenix Mountain Cultural and Creative Park of the China-ASEAN Arts College, Chengdu University. Attendees included Li Ming, Deputy Director of the Chengdu Municipal People's Government Foreign Affairs Office; Peng Xiaolin, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Chengdu University; the Latvian artists' delegation; and representatives of faculty and students, all gathering to witness the conclusion of the nine-day cultural and artistic exchange between China and Latvia.
The closing ceremony showcased the artists' creative journey during their stay in Chengdu. They explored cultural landmarks such as Dayi Xieyuan Town and Anren Ancient Town, captured the lively essence of local life in Kuanzhai Alley, appreciated modern Chinese art at the Xuliyuan Art Museum and the Tianfu Art Museum, and drew inspiration from iconic Sichuan sites like the Jinsha Museum and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Through workshops at the university, they engaged in discussions with faculty and students from the China-ASEAN Arts College, blending Baltic artistic traditions with Sichuan aesthetics. Using their brushes to transcend language barriers, the artists seamlessly merged the romantic spirit of the Baltic region with Chengdu’s ancient and modern charm, creating a series of works titled "Impressions of Chengdu" that reflect both local character and global vision.
In his speech, Li Ming noted that the Latvian artists had immersed themselves in Chengdu’s streets, communities, cultural venues, and natural landscapes, observing, experiencing, and creating from their unique artistic perspectives. Their work vividly documented the city’s urban scenery and daily life, enriching cultural and artistic exchanges between the two regions. He described the art tour as a seed planted in the fertile soil of China-Latvia friendship, nurturing hopes for "people-to-people connectivity and mutual appreciation of beauty." He expressed his anticipation for further collaboration across more fields, jointly writing a new chapter in the friendly exchanges between the two regions.
Peng Xiaolin, on behalf of the university, extended her gratitude to the Latvian artists. She emphasized that the artists had not only visited Chengdu’s representative cultural landmarks and art venues but also delved into local communities and ancient towns, engaging in fruitful interactions with faculty and students at Chengdu University. This in-depth cultural experience and face-to-artistic dialogue provided valuable learning opportunities, sparked creative inspiration, and sowed seeds of friendship. She affirmed that Chengdu University would continue leveraging its strengths to expand cooperation with the international art community, offering broader platforms for global exchange to its faculty and students.
Latvian artists Darja Lipnagova, Alisa Adamsone, and Vera Bondare shared their reflections, expressing how rewarding and unforgettable their Chengdu journey had been. They thanked the organizers for the meticulously arranged itinerary, which allowed them to experience the city’s charm in all dimensions. Over the nine-day tour, they gained a profound appreciation for Chengdu’s rich historical heritage and vibrant contemporary art scene, as well as its dynamic urban life, unique local atmosphere, and distinctive culture—all of which provided endless inspiration for their creative work.
Chen Yawen, a student from the university’s painting program, shared her insights from participating in the exchange. She expressed deep gratitude to the college for the opportunity to learn from and interact closely with the Latvian artists, joining them in some of their activities. She admired the artists’ dedication to their craft, their unique perspectives, and their professional approach to creation. Through this event, the students not only deepened their understanding of Latvian art and culture but also broadened their international horizons and enhanced their cross-cultural communication skills.
A heartwarming exchange of artworks took place during the ceremony. Latvian artist Natalja Neberekutina presented a painting that encapsulated the inspiration of their journey, blending the artistic styles of both regions as a token of gratitude and friendship toward Chengdu and its partners. In return, Yang Bo, a faculty member from the School of Fine Arts and Design, gifted a piece depicting Chengdu’s iconic thousand-year-old ginkgo tree at Baihuatan Park, symbolizing the enduring bond and artistic exchange between the two sides.
The event concluded with a medley of songs performed by the Latvian artists in Latvian, Chinese, and English. The heartfelt emotions and melodious cross-linguistic harmonies beautifully conveyed their fond memories and deep affection for Chengdu, bringing the art tour to a warm and memorable close.
The successful hosting of the "2025 Chengdu Europe Culture Season" Latvian Artists' Chengdu Art Tour has built a solid bridge for cultural and artistic exchanges between Chengdu and Latvia, fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. The China-ASEAN Arts College at Chengdu University will seize this opportunity to further promote Sino-Latvian collaboration in art education and creative research, ensuring that art remains a lasting bond in deepening bilateral cultural exchanges. By doing so, the college aims to contribute to the development of a diverse and mutually enriching global cultural landscape.
