Xinhua News Agency, Johannesburg, November 30 (Reporter Wang Xiaomei) “Dialogue with World Civilizations: The the Belt and Road International Crafts Exhibition” kicked off at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa on November 29.
The exhibition showcases dozens of intangible cultural heritage techniques, divided into three exhibition areas: “Flowers on the Sea,” “Coexistence of All Things,” and “Endless Life. The specific exhibits include Chinese traditional cultural works such as embroidery pieces, Paper Cuttings, Kesi, kites, New Year pictures, silver pots, purple clay pots, and other intangible cultural heritage cross-border works such as Qinghai Golog yak hair, Shanxi cloth tiger cultural creation, and intangible cultural heritage China-Chic canvas shoes.
Li Zhigang, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, saying that South Africa was the first African country to sign a memorandum of understanding with China to jointly build the “the Belt and Road” cooperation. China and South Africa maintain close cooperation in the fields of education and culture, and look forward to further deepening exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
Duan Yong, Vice President of Shanghai University, stated that universities have a responsibility to build platforms for the protection and international dissemination of intangible cultural heritage. He hopes to deepen cooperation with the University of Johannesburg through this exhibition and create more practical opportunities for young students.
Federico Freski, Executive Dean of the School of Art, Design and Architecture at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, said in his speech that dialogue between different cultures can inspire new ideas, promote communication and exchange. I hope the exhibits in this exhibition can inspire everyone to continue exploring their cultural traditions and embrace the infinite possibilities brought by collaboration and innovation.
This exhibition is supported by the Propaganda Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Embassy in South Africa. It is hosted by Shanghai University and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa and will close on January 25, 2025.