Chinese and Saudi Art Institutions Launch “Silk Council for Culture”
Supporting Cultural Exchange Between the Middle East and the Far East
Riyadh – June 24, 2025
Saudi artist Rashed AlShashai, founder of Shashai Studio, and Tingting Fang, artistic curator and Dean of the Asian Academy of Arts, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Silk Council for Culture”—an independent, non-profit cultural entity dedicated to fostering artistic and cultural collaboration between the Middle East and the Far East. The initiative draws inspiration from the rich legacy of the “Silk Road” as a historical symbol of communication and mutual creativity among civilizations.
As part of the shared vision to promote cultural dialogue, Tingting Fang conducted a tour of JAX District in Riyadh, visiting several art studios and exhibitions, and engaging with local artists. She expressed admiration for the district’s cultural vitality and discussed future opportunities for collaboration through the upcoming programs of the new foundation.
The Importance of Joint Programs
The foundation aims to develop high-impact programs that respond to the evolving global cultural landscape and contribute to:
·Creating platforms for artistic and academic exchange
·Building contemporary cultural dialogue between the two regions
·Supporting initiatives that bridge heritage and innovation
·Enabling cross-border creative practices in sustainable production environments
Collaboration Mechanisms
Initiatives will be carried out in coordination with local and international cultural partners, with support from specialized institutional entities. Details about upcoming programs and initiatives will be announced in due course.
Statements from the Signatories
Rashed AlShashai:
“The establishment of the Silk Council for Culture marks a new beginning for collaborative cultural work. It is a thoughtful response to the growing need for international platforms that embrace exchange and co-creation through a contemporary lens.”
Tingting Fang:
“I was deeply inspired by the creative energy in JAX District. Through this initiative, we aim to build a sustainable cultural model that connects deep-rooted traditions with forward-looking visions in an open and collaborative space.”
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