PHILIPPE PIGUET, a descendant of legendary French painter Claude Monet, shared insights on art education during a forum Wednesday at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center (SWCAC) in Shekou.

The event, which drew nearly 300 attendees, marked the official launch of SWCAC’s New Academy, an educational initiative designed to nurture creative thinking in the next generation.

Joining Piguet for the panel discussion were several international and domestic experts: Anissa Jolly, vice president of the Switzerland-based Winston House Children’s Art Foundation; Lyu Hongrong, director of the Jupiter Museum of Art; and Dr. Li Jiarui, a senior education expert with a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Cambridge.

SWCAC director Zhang Xijia said the program aims to bridge the gap between the public and urban cultural life.

“Building on nine years of public cultural practice, the New Academy aims to link art, music, humanities and international exchange into a lifelong learning pathway,” Zhang said. “The art center is more than just an architectural space for exhibitions.”

Piguet delivered a keynote presentation tracing the evolution of Impressionism. Starting with the landmark 1874 Impressionist exhibition and Monet’s seminal painting, “Impression, Sunrise,” Piguet illustrated how the movement shifted artistic focus toward nature, urban landscapes and daily life. He also offered a glimpse into Monet’s life at Giverny, discussing his famous “Water Lilies” series and the artist’s enduring influence on contemporary art.

The panel discussion explored how cultural memory can be transformed into creative capacity. Drawing on their respective backgrounds in art history, curation and anthropology, the panelists emphasized that a foundation in cultural heritage is essential for helping the next generation understand the world, develop independent judgment and foster creativity.

The New Academy plans to roll out a series of courses, workshops and forums. Organizers said they will also invite the public and creative partners to help shape the initiative’s future curriculum.

Opened in 2017, the SWCAC is a cultural landmark designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki. The center hosts diverse public programming, including exhibitions, performing arts, public education and commercial activities. (Claudia Wei)