M Culture Creative Journey launched to foster Sino-U.S. cultural exchange

The M CULTURE Exchange philanthropy initiative and the Silk Reverie · M Culture Creative Journey, jointly organized by Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality and the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, were officially launched at the MGM Reserve Zhuhai on May 22.

Guests jointly unveil the “M CULTURE Exchange” and the “Silk Reverie · M Culture Creative Journey.”Photos courtesy of MGM

As part of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality’s charity efforts, M CULTURE has been successfully running for three years. This year’s event has been recognized by the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, with close collaboration between both parties and strong support from the Dunhuang Academy, as well as the Guangdong People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Gansu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

This year, the initiative will collaborate with Iris Scott from the U.S., known as the “Finger Impressionist.” From May 23 to 27, Iris Scott and her team will visit Dunhuang to immerse themselves in cave art and the millennia-old Silk Road culture, drawing inspiration to create new artworks that interpret the beauty of Dunhuang. Her journey and creative process will be documented on video, which will be released on major Chinese media platforms and her personal social media, allowing global audiences to experience the unique charm of Dunhuang from multiple perspectives.

Focusing on Dunhuang culture, the initiative aims to reinterpret the millennium-old Silk Road civilization through modern artistic perspectives, facilitating the revitalization of outstanding Chinese traditional culture and international cultural exchange.

Mr. Fred Zhou delivers a speech.

Mr. Fred Zhou, President of China Hospitality of MGM Resorts International and President and Director of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality, introduced that, “As a century-old brand, MGM has been intrinsically linked with arts and culture since its inception. Since entering the Chinese market, MGM has consistently regarded promoting US-China cultural exchange and strengthening mutual friendship as our special mission.” He also highlighted that, with the recognition of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, the group decided to join forces in co-launching a long-term and public-spirited cultural charity initiative—the M CULTURE Exchange. The inaugural year focuses on Dunhuang art, fostering profound Sino-American artistic dialogue and fusion—where boundaries dissolve and friendships take root.

Mr. Li Xikui delivers a speech.

Mr. Li Xikui, president of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, emphasized: “People-to-people ties are the bond between nations, and mutual friendship is the cornerstone of enduring state-to-state relations. By supporting an American artist’s creative pilgrimage to Dunhuang, we aim to rekindle this ancient cultural treasure through fresh artistic lenses—breathing new life into Dunhuang’s legacy and energizing cross-civilizational dialogue, showcasing the splendor of China’s culture to the world and injecting vitality into Sino-American friendship.”

Since its launch, M CULTURE has consistently aimed to rejuvenate China’s excellent traditional culture and foster Sino-foreign cultural friendship. Each year, the initiative focuses on a specific Chinese cultural theme, concentrating on four core areas: protecting and rejuvenating excellent Chinese traditional culture, promoting it globally, introducing world culture and art to China, and enhancing cultural exchange between China and the world.

A view of American artist Iris Scott’s paintings.

In 2023, M CULTURE hosted its first creative promotion for Nanjing Yunjing in Shanghai. In 2024, it launched a Sino-American artist collaboration and dialogue series in Shenzhen, paying tribute to the Maritime Silk Road. These programs effectively advanced the global promotion of China’s outstanding traditional culture, receiving positive responses and praise from various sectors.

In the future, MGM will continue to cultivate the Chinese market, inherit and renew Chinese traditional culture, and promote cultural exchange between ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign.