Chinese and Saudi Art Institutions Launch the “Silk Council for Culture”

Riyadh, June 24, 2025 – International Arts News — Renowned Saudi artist and founder of Shashai Studio, Rashed AlShashai, and Tingting Fang, founder of A Manifesto and President of the Asian Institute of Art, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Riyadh on June 24, 2025. Together, they announced the joint establishment of the Silk Council for Culture.

Rashed AlShashai and Tingting Fang

As an independent, non-profit cultural organization, the Silk Council for Culture is dedicated to fostering deep cooperation between the Middle East and the Far East in the fields of art and culture. Inspired by the cultural heritage of the historic Silk Road, the initiative seeks to reopen this spiritual corridor connecting East and West, addressing the urgent need for dialogue and co-creation among contemporary civilizations. The council aims to build an international platform centered on exchange, mutual trust, and sustainable development.

As part of their shared vision, Tingting Fang visited Riyadh’s JAX District during the signing, touring multiple art studios and exhibition spaces. She engaged in conversations with local artists and expressed high praise for the district’s vibrant cultural scene. Fang also held in-depth discussions on future joint projects under the framework of the Silk Council.

Vision and Future Direction

The Silk Council for Culture will soon launch a series of impactful cooperative projects, addressing key issues in global cultural development. The main focus areas include:

Building international platforms for artistic and academic exchange

Creating contemporary cultural dialogue between the Middle East and the Far East

Supporting initiatives that bridge tradition and innovation

Promoting cross-border, sustainable creative collaborations

Mechanism of Cooperation

All related projects will be implemented in collaboration with Saudi and international cultural partners and supported by professional institutions and platforms. The first round of major cooperative initiatives will be announced in the near future—please stay tuned.

Selected Remarks from the Founding Representatives

Rashed AlShashai:
“The establishment of the Silk Council for Culture marks a new beginning. It responds to the growing need for international platforms of cultural co-creation and reflects our sincere commitment to cross-cultural collaboration.”

Tingting Fang:
“The creative energy I witnessed in the JAX District was truly inspiring. Through this collaboration, we hope to explore sustainable cultural models that connect traditional roots with future visions, within an open and cooperative environment.”