Date：2018-01-02Successfully Concluded Visit to the Middle East

At the invitation of Dr. Mohamed Sultan, Governor of Alexandria in the Arab Republic of Egypt and Mr. Eli Beck, CEO of Israeli company EDB-China, a delegation of Shanghai Art Collection Museum led by president Mr. Hu Muqing concluded a 12-day working visit to Egypt and Israel from 5th Nov. to 16th Nov. 2017. After visiting various institutions and artists, the delegation investigated the cultural and artistic resources of both countries in depth and reached a cooperation intention in several projects.

The main purpose of this visit is to prepare for the 8th International Invitational Exhibition of Traditional Fine Arts and the 6th International (Shanghai) Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Forum held in next June as well as the series exhibitions held in Shanghai Art Collection Museum · Takashimaya Art Space next year.

The diamond and jewelry design and processing skill of Israel is world-famous. With thousands of diamond companies, the Israeli Diamond Trading Center becomes the biggest one around the world. As soon as Mr. Eli Avidar, CEO of Diamond Trading Center finished the business trip abroad and came back from airport to the office, he spared the time specially to receive the delegation. During a friendly meeting with each other, he showed his great support to the cooperation between diamond companies in the center and Shanghai Art Collection Museum · Takashimaya Art Space.  

Then the delegation was invited to visit the Diamond Trading Hall, Diamond Detecting Center and the company Diamond Bourse, which belongs to one of the founding members of the Trading Center and has been run by three generations. The delegation was deeply impressed by a variety of rare colorful diamonds and exquisite jewelries shown by the representative.

This time delegation has also visited several jewelry artists and designers with specific styles. Their art works are either simple and rough with lasting appeal, or exquisite and delicate full of elegance and charm. All of them have strong sense of design and beauty. The artists are all excited about the collaboration with the museum. 

During the stay in Israel, delegation has visited the Ein-hod Artist Colony established in 1953. More than 300 artists from different countries are living here. The delegation had a meeting with the CEO Mr. Zion Gez to talk about the cooperation in several projects. Both sides reached comprehensive consensus.

To further investigate the diamond and jewelry design education in Israel, the delegation visited the famous Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Shenkar College of Engineering, Design and Art, Avni Institute of Art and Design successively and discussed the cooperation business with representatives of relevant faculties. They are all looking forward to collaborating with Shanghai Art Collection Museum.  

As a developed economic entity, Israel attaches great importance to the construction of museums and galleries all the time. The delegation visited well-known Israel Museum, The Shrine of the Book Museum and Tel Aviv Museum of Art and had a deep discussion with the Development and International Communication Department as well as Art Exhibitions and Collections Department. Both sides reached agreement in co-organizing International Exchange Exhibition and other events.

After finishing the working trip in Israel, the delegation made a stop in Istanbul, Turkey and went to Egypt, the world-famous ancient civilization country.

As soon as the delegation arrived in Cairo, it was warmly received by representatives of Alexandrian Government. On 12th Nov., the Governor of Alexandria not only received the delegation in the governmental office, but also invited all the members of the delegation to a dinner in his residence. 

Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Alexandria, Mr. Xu Nanshan, has not only attended the meeting and reception mentioned above actively, but also invited the delegation to a lunch specially.

The Governor and the Consul General both showed the great enthusiasm in promoting the cultural exchange between China and Egypt, especially between “sister cities” Shanghai and Alexandria.

During the stay in Egypt, the delegation was also invited to visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Jewelry Palace and had a cooperative talk with representatives of both institutes.   

The delegation visited the famous Alexandria University as well and had a friendly talk with the president Mr. Essam A. Elkordi. After that, the delegation has listened to the subject introduction of Alexandrian cultural heritage from Dr. Mohamed Awad, Head of Alexandria Heritage Preserve Committee in Alexandria Governorate Premises.

Next day, the delegation was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the International Handcrafts Exhibition.

On 16th, Nov., Ms. Sabah Abd El Razik Saddik, General Director of the Egyptian Museum, which has held the 115th Anniversary of Establishment last day, spared time to receive us in the office. Both sides had a nice talk and she expressed the interest in attending the 6th International (Shanghai) Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Forum held next year and delivering a keynote speech about the exchange of ancient Chinese and Egyptian culture.

During the two-week Middle-East working trip, the delegation has also visited several cultural heritage places and cultural institutions such as Giza Pyramids, Bahai Gardens, Western Wall in Jerusalem, Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, Montazah Gardens, Coptic Museum etc. and felt the unique Middle Eastern culture.