A delegation of more than 10 American arts-world luminaries visited Guangzhou on October 26. They toured the Chen Clan Academy, Yongqing Fang and other sites as part of the China-U.S. arts education and cultural industry exchange program.
Walking through historic landmarks and lively neighborhoods, the group reflected on how art can bridge cultural divides between the two nations.
"I think that we're actually far more similar than we are different," Patrick Brien, CEO of ARTS OC, said. "We are all people; we all have hopes and dreams. Imagination brings people together, whether through music or theater." He added that true beauty lies in these common human experiences, rather than the differences some observers tend to emphasize.
Rick Stein, Council Member of the California Arts Council, noted firsthand observation offered insights unavailable from screens or touring shows back home.
"It is wonderful to see it firsthand by coming to China, rather than simply experiencing it through online media, television, films, or touring productions that occasionally visit the United States," Stein commented. He urged more American artists and cultural practitioners to travel to Guangdong for on‑site cultural exposure.
The delegates also took note of a distinctive feature of China's museum ecosystem: many local institutions are specialized repositories focused on a single niche field, unlike the broad, comprehensive museums common across the United States.
Sean O'Harrow, President and CEO of The Bowers Museum, pointed out many Chinese institutions focus on single‑region cultural heritage, and explained his museum has built partnerships with Chinese counterparts. Those collaborations bring Chinese specialists to the United States to exhibit diverse dimensions of Chinese art, history and culture for American audiences.
As the group wandered Yongqing Fang, delegates watched local creators at work and observed ordinary residents living within the historic district. They will continue their week-long artistic and cultural journey across Guangzhou in the days ahead. The direct human encounters will become the most powerful tool for mutual cultural understanding.
Reporter | Dong Han
Filming | Pan Jiajun
Script | Dong Han
Video editor | Pan Jiajun
Video editor & Poster | Pan Jiajun
