By George Elliot-Sam
The Beijing Palace Hotel became a nexus of global cultural dialogue as China hosted the 2026 Cultural Heritage and Artistic Creation Parallel Forum. The event, centered on the theme “Cultural Heritage and Artistic Creation,” brought together a prestigious assembly of authors, directors, scholars, and cultural leaders to explore the intersection of ancient traditions and modern innovation.
The forum served as a platform to discuss how the deep roots of history can nourish contemporary creativity. In his keynote address, Alai, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association and Chairman of the Sichuan Writers Association, set the tone for the day. Drawing on his own literary journey, Alai spoke passionately about utilizing cultural heritage as a vital resource for writing, emphasizing that the past is not a static relic but a living wellspring for narrative depth.
Following the keynote, the forum featured a series of diverse presentations from both domestic and international experts, each offering a unique lens on the theme.
Tan Qinxin, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and President of the National Theater of China, focused on the stage. His presentation, titled “Transforming and Innovating Cultural Heritage through the Performing Arts,” explored how traditional narratives can be reanimated for modern audiences through theatrical innovation.
The intersection of technology and tradition was a major focal point of the day. Marc Handler, a distinguished professor at the Beijing Film Academy from the United States, delivered a presentation on “Reimagining Cultural Heritage: Storytelling and Creation in the Age of AI.” He was joined in this digital dialogue by Li Yang, Dean and doctoral supervisor of the School of Arts at Peking University and a distinguished professor under the Ministry of Education’s Chang Jiang Scholar Program, who discussed “Breathing New Life into Cultural Heritage through Artificial Intelligence.”
Shan Jixiang, the sixth Director of the Palace Museum, offered a historical perspective with his talk, “Decoding the Cultural Heritage of the Ancient Capital, Refining Artistic Expression for Our Times.” His insights provided a foundation for understanding how the physical history of Beijing informs contemporary aesthetics.
Education and cross-cultural collaboration were also central themes. Hu Qiang, President of the Beijing Film Academy and a first-class director, spoke on “Rooted in Chinese Culture, Cultivating a New Generation for the Era through Inheritance and Innovation,” highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent. Nicolas Deschamps, CEO of REALWORKS and a producer, brought an international perspective to the stage with his topic, “Unlocking Cross-Cultural Creation on Cultural through Co-production,” emphasizing the power of global partnerships.
Adding to the visual arts discourse, Pan Yikui, Director of the National Art Museum of China, presented on “From Historical Relics to Contemporary Masterpiece: Empowering Contemporary Fine Arts Development through Cultural Heritage.”
A highlight of the program was a panel discussion featuring the leaders in attendance. The session, titled “Bringing Cultural Heritage to Life through Literary and Artistic Creation,” allowed the speakers to engage in a dynamic exchange, synthesizing the day’s discussions into a shared vision for the future.
The 2026 forum underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that cultural heritage remains a dynamic force in the creation
