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On the morning of November 17, 2024, the International Academic Conference on "Overseas Dissemination and Exchange of Jiangsu Fine Arts," organized by the Jiangsu Federation of Social Sciences, was held at the School of Art, Nantong University. During the event, a special video message from Dr. Richard J. Helldobler, President of William Paterson University, was played, commending the pivotal role of the Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University in establishing the university as a renowned leader in the field of Chinese art and art education in the United States.Opening CeremonyWang Weidong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Nantong University, extended a warm welcome to the leaders, experts, and students in attendance. He introduced Nantong University and its School of Art, emphasizing the conference theme, "Overseas Dissemination and Exchange of Jiangsu Fine Arts." Wang highlighted the extensive contributions of Jiangsu artists on the global stage and the influx of international artists into Jiangsu, expressing hope that the symposium would foster deeper exploration and sustainable international collaboration in Jiangsu fine arts.
Dr. Richard J. Helldobler lauded Professor Cong Zhiyuan, Director of the Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University, as one of the most distinguished experts on Chinese art in the United States. He emphasized the Center's achievements, including hosting courses, symposiums, and Chinese art exhibitions, inviting esteemed Chinese artists, and offering students opportunities to study in China. These initiatives have solidified the university’s reputation as a leading institution in Chinese art and art education in the U.S., with much of this success attributed to Professor Cong's dedication.President Helldobler's Message“Art is a powerful medium for fostering cross-cultural understanding,” Dr. Helldobler remarked, “transcending differences and bringing people together. We are proud that William Paterson University and the Center for Chinese Art contribute to deepening the mutual understanding between the people of China and the United States.”
Shang Hui, Director of the Art Theory Committee of the China Artists Association, summarized the symposium by highlighting the case studies presented by Professors Wang Huiqin and Cong Zhiyuan. These examples illustrated how artists from Jiangsu have independently worked to promote Chinese painting in Europe and the United States since the 1980s. He noted, "This symposium not only brings together overseas artists to discuss key topics but also engages domestic scholars in exploring ways to advance the international dissemination of Jiangsu's art. This elevates the international scope of the conference to a higher academic level."For more information, contact (973) 720-2799, email ccart@wpunj.edu, or visit www.wpunj.edu/ccart.
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