Shekou to host Chinese/Italian Artists Exchange Program

A poster for the Chinese/Italian Artists Exchange Program. Courtesy of event organizer

The Chinese/Italian Artists Exchange Program, organized jointly by the Nanshan District Foreign Affairs Bureau and the Shekou Subdistrict Office, is scheduled to open at the Baoneng All City mall in Shekou on Nov. 22, with a theme centered on “Sci-Fi and Fantasy.”

This year marks a milestone in the friendly relations between China and Italy, with the two countries celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them. The organizers said the exchange program aims to showcase Nanshan’s international vitality and artistic atmosphere, while building a sustainable platform for China-Italy artistic exchange.

Francesco Verso poses for a photo with two sci-fi novels he has written in this file photo. Courtesy of the event organizer

Established Italian artists — including award-winning science fiction writer and publisher Francesco Verso, versatile illustrator and graphic artist Lorenzo Ala, the organizational director of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival Francesco Ruzzier, Nicola Liberati, an associate professor of philosophy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Daniela Calisi, an expert in digitalization at the nexus of art, technology and social innovation — and younger creatives will participate in a mix of exhibitions, salons, school visits, family interactions and lifestyle experiences during the program.

The exchange program will officially launch at the All City mall at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22. Attendees will include officials from the Nanshan District Government and the Shekou Subdistrict Office, Chinese and Italian artists, and representatives from the Italian community in Shenzhen.

The program is designed to engage residents and visitors with a broad range of activities featuring both countries’ cultural heritage.

Key events and highlights of the exchange program:

Chinese/Italian Sci-Fi and Fantasy Exhibition

The exhibition features classic sci-fi works by established artists from China and Italy, alongside original pieces by emerging creators. It seeks to spotlight outstanding non-English sci-fi stories, promote international sci-fi literature, and explore diverse futures through visual and narrative art.

Time: Nov. 22-Dec. 6

Location: 2F corridor connecting the north and south sections of All City

Future Visions: A Sci-Fi Salon between Chinese and Italian Artists

Italian artists — Francesco Verso, Francesco Ruzzier, Wu Yan and Frank Ma — will join sci-fi enthusiasts for face-to-face discussions on topics including AI ethics, big data societies, climate responses, and space exploration. The salon will explore creative methods, narrative craft, and Eastern and Western sci-fi aesthetics.

Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Nov. 22

Location: Atrium, B2 north section of All City

Italian Lifestyle Experience Zone

An Italian food and culture zone will offer pizza, pasta, risotto, wine, espresso, and Italian gelato, alongside costume parades and hands-on art activities for children, guided by Chinese and Italian art educators.

Time: 2-6 p.m., Nov. 22; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 23

Location: Atrium, B2 north section of All City

Italian Football Experience Zone

Coaches and players will lead interactive football sessions, skill demonstrations, and family-friendly activities celebrating Italy’s football culture.

Time: 2-5:30 p.m.

Location: Sunken courtyard, B1 north section of All City

Chinese/Italian Cultural Bazaar

The bazaar will recreate Italian street-scape elements and host stalls selling traditional crafts and foods from both countries to create an immersive cultural experience.

Time: Nov. 22-Dec. 7

Location: B1 corridor of All City

Italian Supercar Exhibition

A showcase of top Italian supercars, including brands such as Maserati, will highlight design aesthetics and automotive craftsmanship as a cultural expression.

Time: Nov. 22 and 23

Location: 1F plaza, north section, All City

Poetry Over Tea: An Italian Poet’s Oriental Journey

Simon Chiatante, an Italian poet based in Shenzhen, will present his new illustrated volume "Respiro" and explore links between poetry, Chinese tea ceremony, and Zen, with readings in Chinese, English, and Italian.

Time: 1 0:30 a.m.-noon, Nov. 23

Location: Atrium, B2 north section of All City

A Painting Date Between Chinese & Italian Illustrators and Teens

Renowned illustrators from China and Italy will lead an interactive workshop aimed at enriching teenagers’ aesthetic education and strengthening youth cultural exchange.

Time: 3-4 p.m., Nov. 23

Location: Atrium, B2 north section of All City

In addition, the organizers have launched a promotional game to boost public participation: residents can earn an entry into the final prize draw by posting to WeChat Moments or Xiaohongshu (China's equivalent of Instagram), or by collecting an on‑site stamp.

Source :Shenzhen Daily