Fred Bidwell is a major figure behind the art event.

The Cleveland organizers held an event at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing's 798 Art Zone to promote the show.

Fred Bidwell, who came up with the idea of the triennial in the "rust-belt of the US", says that it is inspired by Documenta, a famous art exhibition held every five years in Kassel, a city in Germany.

A once wealthy industrial city, Cleveland used to have many businesspeople and philanthropists who loved to collect art. But the city has suffered a decline and population loss in recent years.

The city now needs a boost and the triennial is one such effort, says Bidwell.

"Our mission is to generate new economic activity and opportunity through cultural tourism. We hope people from in and outside the country fly to the city to enjoy the art," says Bidwell.

He says the art event is scheduled from July to September, as it is the best time of the year in Cleveland.