The 2016 visual arts college graduates of New World School of the Arts had the unique opportunity to spend 13 days in China, learning about its rich culture and absorbing the country's unparalleled artistic wonders. The 28 students, accompanied by their dean, Maggy Cuesta, and sculpture professor Donald Lambert, toured the cities of Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Hong Kong - visiting multiple art museums and exhibitions including the Palace Museum, 798 Art Zone, MOCA Shanghai, Museum of Natural History, and Missing Art Museum. they also had the opportunity to enjoy galleries such as Gagosian, Saamlung, White Cube, Galerie Perrotin, and K11 and experience such historical landmarks as the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven, the Olympic Stadium [Birds Nest], and the Terracotta Warriors.

"Traveling to China showed the students just how diverse the world can be," explained dean Cuesta. "The students also recognized that, due to the recent changes in the technological arena in China, they also share many experiences of daily life and have much more in common than they once thought." 

BFA Class Valedictorian Tianna Harvey said of her experience, "Having never been off this continent, China was a surprising perspective on life outside the U.S. I felt more aware, more in contact with issues that, to me, never existed -- particularly censorship and other sensitive issues that Chinese people face. Besides that, it was amazing to experience thousands of years of history in only two weeks. I haven't experienced so much probably in my whole life. I am forever grateful and humbled."

"There are a few experiences in life that shape, shake and change your world: The trip to China has changed me and has affected me in so many ways.," expressed Grace Berrios, a graphic design major who also embarked on the journey. "It made me appreciate how different humans are from one another, and how no matter the language barriers we can all communicate with each other with love, respect and understanding. It opened my eyes to a world of spirituality so deep and rooted in beliefs that empower peace. A world where the love for nature and man's creativity coexist, intermingle and sustain each other no matter the shortcomings of pollution. And above all, it opened my eyes to a world of cultural richness that I could have never even imagined."

The NWSA Summer Travel Program is an annual initiative made possible by the generous contributions of The Knight Foundation, and Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz. The international journey aims to expand the knowledge and outlook of the graduating visual artists through cultural interaction and exposure to other forms of art and artistic perspectives. "Through the power of communication both digitally and personally the trip was an experience that either changed the lives of these students or will alter it in the future," concluded Cuesta.