The forum themed "City Spirit Review: Art Inheritance and Re-creation in Suzhou", one of the main events during the biennale, was held in SIP on May 19. Artists from home and abroad shared their opinions on relations between art and cities and offered advice on how to enhance the development of art in Suzhou.

Zhang Xiaoling, president and chief editor of Art News of China, pointed out that Suzhou is maintaining its cultural position relying on the historical cultural legacy instead of the contemporary art development, though the city has witnessed fast economic development.

Wu Hongliang, dean of Beijing Fine Art Academy, expounded on the importance of museums to the preservation of human history and culture.

Marc Fornes, a French artist, called on taking full advantage of public spaces to make art close to more people.