On the afternoon of October 16, SUIBE hosted the “Civilization Dialogue—African Sculpture Art Exhibition”. Supported by the Shanghai International Culture Association and the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the exhibition is undertaken by the SUIBE Museum and co-organized by the SUIBE Institute of Reginal and International Studies and the SUIBE International Development Cooperation Academy.
SUIBE President Wang Rongming emphasized that cultural exchange is the foundation of trade exchanges, and civilization dialogue is a solid bridge for people-to-people bonds. On the occasion of SUIBE’s 65th anniversary, this exhibition is of great significance. It is not only a cultural tribute to the university’s school-running history, but also demonstrates the cultural awareness and mission of universities in the new era.
Former Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Press and Publication Bureau Zhu Junbo stated that by holding of this exhibition, SUIBE fully demonstrates the its cultural responsibility and foresight beyond professional boundaries. It is a vivid practice of Shanghai—an international cultural exchange center—promoting dialogue among civilizations.
At the opening ceremony, Zhao Baopei, a famous collector and expert in African sculpture art research, donated the book set The Beauty of Transformation to SUIBE. To express gratitude, Wang Rongming presented Zhao Baopei with a certificate of appreciation for his donation and conferred upon him an appointment certificate as a distinguished expert of the SUIBE Museum.
In his remarks, Zhao Baopei, the contributor of the exhibits, expressed his heartfelt thanks to SUIBE for providing a high-caliber platform that made it possible for these precious pieces of African art to be presented to the public. He hoped that this exhibition will serve as a starting point to inspire more Chinese scholars and artists to draw inspiration from African sculptures and bring impetus to the development of Chinese art.
The “Civilization Dialogue—African Sculpture Art Exhibition” will be on display at SUIBE’s Changning Campus from October 2025 to October 2028.
Translated by Yang Yu
