A pioneering spirit

"It was wonderful collaboration and communication between the art community of China and the US," says Frederica Martin, Fred Martin's daughter, recalling the days when her father launched the first exchange program.

"Over the years, I remember father talking about how China had changed so much since he first started going there. During his last visit, he got to tour five different art academies in China, and he was so impressed with the investment China was making in art education," she told the audience at the ceremony.

She says that as a scientist she understands how crucial educational investment and international collaboration is.

"Maintaining these collaborations, such as between the art and scientific communities of China and the US, is very important, even during times when our governments aren't getting along well," she says. "I hope these collaborations continue because they produce wonderful art and scientific breakthroughs."