70 Works, One Vision: Chongqing x Italy Merge Craft and AI for Global Reach
On January 5, 2026, Chongqing's Global Lounge presented the results of a clear idea: pair local heritage with international talent and modern tech, then ship it worldwide. The program, Let's Create! Global Creative Masters in Chongqing, delivered 70 co-created works and launched a new AIGC International Creative Workshop to keep the momentum going.
Backstory: since May 2025, seven Italian artists embedded across Chongqing's districts, working with local masters of intangible cultural heritage. Together they translated traditional motifs into functional goods-home decor, jewelry, and daily-use objects. "The landscapes, craftsmanship, and spirit of Chongqing provided boundless inspiration," said Carlo Pizzichini, Professor at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. "Design is a universal language, and this project has created a meaningful dialogue."
Real traction in the market
One clear win: Yongchuan Xiuya green tea secured collaborations with Roberto Cavalli and Missoni. Gift sets are already in Milan stores-proof that well-executed cultural products can move fast once the story and the format land.
Highlights from the 70 co-created works
- Yunyang series: Dragon-pattern ceramic cup using detailed pad printing for crisp, repeatable visuals.
- "Gangzi Noodle Bracelet": Edible, wearable concept that blends Italian weaving techniques with Chongqing's noodle culture-playful and conversation-worthy.
- Dazu series: Home decor with rock-carving motifs, reimagined as subtle bas-relief textures for modern interiors.
- Jiangjin collection: Rose-shaped necklace in premium Jiangjin jade set in white gold-clean East-West fusion.
- Rongchang series: Bags from traditional grass cloth with contemporary silhouettes that push past the usual limits of the fabric.
- Chongqing City series: "Rail-through-Building" mug produced via 3D printing to capture the city's unique transit system, plus a camellia badge that pairs Chongqing's city flower with Italian enamel craft.
New AIGC workshop: the engine behind scale
The event also inaugurated the AIGC International Creative Workshop-a joint venture between the Chongqing International Culture Association, Professor Carlo Pizzichini, Damu Pictures, and Chongqing Nihao Wenshan Cultural Creativity Co., Ltd. Goal: build a durable pipeline where AI helps reinterpret local assets and carry them to global platforms.
Experts demonstrated how AI can read cultural motifs and visualize them for production. Han Hongpeng from Volcano Engine explained the technical approach, while Wu Kai, Chairman of Damu Pictures, summed up the intent: "We aim to tell Chinese stories using the common language of global technology, ensuring they resonate worldwide."
Guan Hong, President of Chongqing International Culture Association, tied the partnership to the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations. The focus is shifting from one-off events to a repeatable mechanism so Chongqing's narrative can participate consistently in international creative conversations.
Why this matters for creatives
- Validation: Cultural products can sell in fashion capitals when the design, story, and packaging are tight.
- Format-first thinking: Translating heritage into daily-use objects creates natural distribution and repeat purchases.
- Cross-pollination: Pair outside techniques (Italian weaving) with local culture (noodles, rock carvings) to unlock fresh categories.
- AI as an amplifier: Use AI to visualize motifs, iterate fast, and prep for manufacturing without losing the soul of the craft.
- Partnerships over one-offs: Set up ongoing workshops and licensing agreements instead of relying on single exhibitions.
How to apply this now
- Pick one local motif or material you care about. Define the everyday product it fits best (mug, pendant, textile, packaging, print).
- Build a fast AI moodboard and variations to stress-test patterns, colorways, and form factors.
- Co-create with a craftsperson to lock quality and finish. Keep the story short and concrete-origin, process, use.
- Pilot with small batches. Get feedback from retail partners or pop-ups before scaling.
- Secure licensing or collabs early if your product signals well in fashion, home, or F&B.
If you work with heritage or craft, these resources help with context and standards: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Want practical AI workflows built for creatives? Explore concise, hands-on courses here: Latest AI Courses.
The day ended with a symbolic gift exchange-simple, human, and earned. The bigger win is the structure now in place: cultural IP translated into products, an AI-assisted studio to keep output consistent, and partnerships ready for global shelves.
Your membership also unlocks:
