Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) saw many departments and organizations come together for the launch of the first Creative Cultural Market (Market). SUSTech University Council Vice Chairperson, Secretary-General Chen Siqi, Communications & Public Relations Director Zhang Ling and Human Resources Office Director Chen Zhifeng were joined by School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Chen Yuehong, Student Affairs Director Xue Zheng and SUSTech Education Foundation Secretary-General Tu Ronghui. Hundreds of students and faculty members attended the Market with Shenzhen Original Art Association chairman Shi Peixiu.

At the launch, Director Zhang Ling introduced the Creative Cultural Market.

Director Xue Zheng officially announced the establishment of the SUSTech Cultural and Creative Society.

University Council Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang said that as an emerging research university in the new era, SUSTech attaches great importance to the development of art as a component of its campus culture. The exploration of a campus culture is critical to the development of a first-class university and he hoped that the Market would see culture and creativity bloom through a wide range of activities across campus. The Market lays a solid foundation for the discovery and generation for more creative ideas at SUSTech, and he anticipated that it would further promote campus culture.

At the end of his speech, Vice Chairperson Li Fengliang accepted exquisite gifts from the SUSTech Cultural and Creative Society.

The Market featured 28 stalls run by a variety of different organizations both inside and outside of the SUSTech community. The busy scenes saw students involved in many activities and exploring delightfully hand-crafted pieces. There were also several performances on stage, including shadow puppets and musical recitals

Class of 2023 Wei Tianyunxi ran the SUSTech Postcard stall, and said that it was her first time to run a stall. “I’m very happy and excited. It’s a meaningful activity as it helps students relax through painting and reacquainting themselves with the SUSTech scenery.”

Class of 2022 Liu Xinyu was thrilled by the event, saying “this is a rare opportunity to learn about our cultural heritage. I just listened to the shadow puppet craftsmen and I think I learned a lot. I had no idea that making seemingly simple shadow puppets incorporates over 60 different skill-sets, so they really are covered with sweat.”

Background

The Creative Cultural Market will last for two days, providing students with the opportunity to unleash a wave of culturally creative passion across campus. The “I Am Art” theme encourages students to share their ideas in a market-day theme and further promote the SUSTech culture, creating a positive atmosphere across campus.