Carter Center Hosts U.S.-China Concert and Art Exhibit

Soprano Qiu Shuwei and pianist Zachary Deak perform at the Carter Center in Atlanta as part of the Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:55am

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The Carter Center in Atlanta hosted a concert featuring Chinese soprano Qiu Shuwei and American pianist Zachary Deak, accompanied by an exhibition of ink paintings by Chinese artist Wu Limin. The event, titled "Sound as a Bridge: Cross-Cultural Dialogue," kicked off the two-day Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations 2026.

Why it matters

The concert and art exhibit at the Carter Center aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding and dialogue between the United States and China through the shared languages of music and art. As tensions between the two countries have risen in recent years, events like this provide an opportunity to build bridges and find common ground.

The details

The concert featured performances by Qiu Shuwei, a soprano from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and Zachary Deak, an American pianist. The event was accompanied by an exhibition of ink paintings by Chinese contemporary artist Wu Limin. Together, the music and art sought to create a "moment of cross-cultural resonance" and kick off the two-day Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations 2026.

  • The concert and art exhibit took place on January 29, 2026.
  • The event kicked off the two-day Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations 2026.

The players

Qiu Shuwei

A soprano from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music who performed at the concert.

Zachary Deak

An American pianist who performed at the concert.

Wu Limin

A Chinese contemporary artist whose ink paintings were exhibited at the event.

The Carter Center

The venue in Atlanta, Georgia that hosted the concert and art exhibit.

Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations 2026

The two-day forum that the concert and art exhibit kicked off.

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The takeaway

Events that bring together the arts and culture of the United States and China can help foster greater understanding and dialogue between the two countries, particularly at a time of heightened tensions. The concert and art exhibit at the Carter Center provided a platform for this cross-cultural exchange and exchange of ideas.