Salford strengthens Chinese links
The University of Salford has announced it has joined forces with Manchester’s Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art as it works to strengthen its links with China.
The new partnership involves the co-commissioning of pieces of Chinese contemporary art which will be exhibited at the centre before forming a new permanent collection at the university.
The university says the collection will also be available for loan to regional museums and art galleries, underlining the growing importance of, and interest in, Chinese contemporary art.
The partnership will also establish a national Curating China Network to support curators and artists across the country in developing links with Chinese artists and arts organisations.
It’s a major development for the university and its School of Arts and Media. The move also highlights the growing importance the higher education sector is placing on growing links with China.
Commenting on the university’s website Colin McCallum, Executive Director, University Advancement, said: “We already have strong academic ties with partners across China and an office in Beijing and the partnership will involve the university and the centre working together on commissions leading to important new work for the university collection and for display on campus.
“The university’s School of Arts and Media is keen to build on this new partnership with potential for exchange of staff and students with art schools in China. This year 10 of our students will work with local businesses in Salford and travel to China next summer for one month internships in Chinese businesses.”
The importance of Chinese students to the higher education sector in the UK has recently been recognised by the UK government.
Anthony Jackson, chairman of Portergate Property Management, is also among those who see the potential China brings in terms of its students and also as a strong source of investment.
He has just returned from a visit to Shanghai where he talked with potential investors interested in Portergate’s growing portfolio of luxury student accommodation, led by the new £18million Riverside House development close to the University of Salford.
He says: “Our business model that has received a terrific response from overseas investors. They see the UK as a solid and strong place in which to invest their money and are excited by our plans and growing portfolio of developments.”
Riverside House has also attracted the attention of overseas students looking for quality accommodation during their time at Salford.
Anthony Jackson adds: “Our new luxury Riverside House hotel-class luxury student residence is within walking distance of the University of Salford, which each year attracts more than 3,000 international students from over 100 nations around the globe.”
