On September 18, 2024, Professor Paul Allain, Director of Research and Innovation for the Division of Art and Humanities at the University of Kent, visited Zizhu Teaching and Research Base of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry (ICCI). Professor Weimin ZHANG, Dean of ICCI , along with faculty representatives, warmly welcomed the delegation.

ZHANG extended a warm welcome to the delegation and emphasized that international collaboration among universities is a key driver of academic innovation and development. Since its establishment, ICCI has been committed to building an open academic platform, encouraging faculty and students to engage in international projects to broaden their horizons and enhance their cross-cultural communication skills.

Sherwood HU, tenured professor of ICCI, shared his research achievements in film and theatre, highlighting his creative work blending Eastern and Western cultures. He also presented recent innovative projects that integrate traditional Chinese cultural elements into modern theatre.

Professor Paul Allain, an internationally renowned scholar in drama and performance studies, shared the University of Kent's achievements in theatre and performance education and explored non-traditional theatre creation. Both parties engaged in a lively discussion and agreed to collaborate further in academic exchange and research.

Professor Paul Allain also toured the Museum of SJTU’s History and the modern teaching facilities at ICCI, marking a fruitful step towards further academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.