On November 5, the Sculpting Thoughts international sculpture exchange and exhibition was successfully held in Athens, Greece alongside the launch ceremony of the Global Youth Cyber Sculpture Program (GYCSP).
The event was hosted by the Xinhua Daily Media Group, and jointly organized by the JiangsuNow International Communication Center, the Sculpture Art Research Institute of Nanjing University and the Jiangsu Sculptors Association, with academic support from the Chinese Urban Sculpture Artists Association.
Together with GYCSP, the nine selected contemporary sculpture works from Jiangsu aim to use art as a bridge to foster in-depth cultural exchanges and intellectual dialogue between China and Greece — two ancient civilizations —building a platform for young artists from both countries and around the world to connect and collaborate.
The opening ceremony hosted many distinguished guests. Among them were Gao Po, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Xinhua Daily Media Group; Shang Rong, Chairman of the Jiangsu Sculptors Association; Fu Licheng, Secretary-General of the association; Wang Peng, Editor-in-Chief of the China-Greece Times; Victoria Zygourou, Director of the Municipal Art Gallery of Athens; and Theodoros Panagiotou, Associate to the President of the City of Athens Culture, Sports and Youth Organization on Cultural Projects. It also included Christos Gikas, President of the Greek-Chinese Association of Cultural and Economic Relations, renowned sculptor and painter Mirsini Varthopoulou, Manolis Georgioudakis, Director of the Philatelic and Postal Museum, philosopher Ilias Tempelis and artist Ioannis Karapatakis. Also present were representatives of cultural and artistic communities from both China and Greece. Shen Zhengrong, Director of the JiangsuNow International Communication Center of the Xinhua Daily Media Group, presided over the event.
“As one of China’s most influential provincial media groups, the Xinhua Daily Media Group has long been committed to building bridges for cultural exchange between China and the world,“ said Gao at the opening ceremony. “Our Jiangsu Now International Communication Center has developed an integrated multimedia presence and launched platforms in multiple languages to foster international dialogue. Through these channels, we will share the highlights of this exhibition with global audiences, allowing more people to experience the artistic charm of the two great civilizations —China and Greece.”
In her speech, Victoria Zygourou said that the sages of Greece and China laid the foundation for philosophical and art dialogue, which has continued through mutual appreciation, respect and creative collaboration. She added that the exhibition served as a bridge for cultural and spiritual exchange, transforming sculpture as a shared language — a symbol of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The launch ceremony itself was creatively designed. Gao, representing the Chinese side, held a bronze hand sculpture, symbolizing the ritual and musical tradition of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, while Zygourou, representing the Greek side, held a marble hand sculpture embodying the classical sculptural heritage of ancient Greece. When the two sculptures were joined together, they formed the image of a dove spreading its wings — a vivid symbol of “understanding, respect, and cooperation”.
Shang Rong, also Director of the Sculpture Art Research Institute at Nanjing University, said that diverse artistic expressions together form a rich tapestry of the human spirit, while civilizations shine ever brighter through mutual learning and exchange.
Another highlight of the event was GYCSP’s official launch. The program invites young artists aged 18 to 35 from around the world to explore the fusion of art and technology, creating digital sculptures under the theme “Sculpting Thoughts”.
“We place particular emphasis on the unique role of young people in cultural exchanges,” said Gao. “Through digital sculpture, young creators from different regions and countries will express the idea that diverse civilizations can coexist and thrive together while combining tradition and modernity.”
After the launch ceremony, the guests enthusiastically viewed nine selected sculpture works from Jiangsu. Gao and other Chinese representatives gave detailed explanations of the creative concepts and the aesthetic essence behind each piece. Greek artists engaged in lively discussions with their Chinese counterparts about materials, techniques, and artistic ideas, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere of exchange. Tempelis noted that artworks are carriers of thought and the sculptures from Jiangsu embody the profound essence of Eastern philosophy.
The GYCSP also drew wide attention from the guests present. Zygourou said the virtual space provides a shared creative environment — a new sanctuary of art. In the digital world, the coexistence and common prosperity of civilizations are not only ideals but also valuable practices in today’s complex and changing world.
“We have great expectations for this initiative,” said Panagiotou. “We will actively introduce it to Greek sculptors and artists, especially young sculptors, encouraging them to apply and submit their works. We look forward to more collaboration in the future.”
