On September 2nd, Sciences Po Alumni in Shanghai organized a lecture on the topic "Relations between Europe and China: rights words to understand each other".

For a better discussion and understanding of the topic, we invited Mr. Joan Valadou, the Consul General of France in Shanghai; Professor David Kobin, Sciences Po Brand Communications professor; Mr. Huan Zhang, Chinese Contemporary Artist; Mr. Emmanuel Daydé, Head of Cultural Events at Paris City Hall. The lecture is moderated by Mr. Damien Zhang, Director of Aranya Art Center and Sciences Po alumni himself.

The Consul General introduced the conference from his professional perspective, as 'it is also the essence of the diplomat's role to find common ground' between countries with sometimes radically different cultures. Culture plays a pivotal role in the relationship between China and France, with the latter being one of the Western countries that has developed its partnerships most extensively, often in the cultural domain – the West Bund Museum x Centre Pompidou project being emblematic of this privileged cooperation.                            

Contemporary artist Huan Zhang made a short speech, further illustrating his artistic ideals and humorously presenting his understanding of the idea “two hearts beat as one”.

The theme of this lecture is “Right words to understand each other”, proposed by the head of the 2024 Olympics emblem design team, Sciences Po professor David Jobin. He proposed the idea of discussing the importance of “common language” in the transcultural communication between China and Europe for mutual understanding and consensus, regardless of the diplomatic, artistic, economic and cultural nature of such communication.

The head of Cultural Events at Paris City Hall, Emmanuel Daydé shared Chinese and European art pieces of different time periods, for the audience to feel emotional resonance brought the art piece from diverse cultural background. He agreed on the opinions of David Jobin, and believed that art is helpful for transcultural emotional exchanges, which allows a deeper level of communications.

Both guests analyzed the selection of art pieces together for the audience and illustrated how religion was immersed in modern art. In a manner of graphical analysis, they persuasively pointed out that the arts help to enhance the reduction of misinterpretation by textual translation and help both parties to better understand each other.

The director of Aranya Art Center, Damien Zhang also commented on the subject, expressing appreciation for the content of the lecture. He argues that such art creation and analysis can help to reach cross-cultural communication through artworks, while the iconographic analysis also echoes the concept of " two hearts beat as one " proposed by Mr. Zhang.

Numerous partners who have long supported cultural exchange also supported the lecture. Ms. Ding Jian, owner of Jiadi Winery, said that the wine industry has a natural connection with art and culture, and is a good medium to promote communication and understanding between different cultures and people.

Mr. Du Chao, a philanthropist and UNICEF's Champion for Children, has long been committed to cultural, artistic and educational exchanges between China and the rest of the world. Mr. Du Chao said that art and education exchanges contribute to the sustainable development of Sino-European friendship. Next year will be a great year for Sino-French relations, the series of activities of the Sciences Po Alumni have played a great role as a platform. Mr. Du Chao hopes to continue to support the exchange of culture and education between China and France.

The lecture also received enthusiastic support from the atelier of Mr. Huan Zhang, as well as AXA Insurance.

Thanks to all the organizations that supported us.