LJMU attends International Cartoon and Animation Festival
Liverpool John Moores University was selected by the British Council in China to be part of a UK delegation to attend the China International Cartoon and Animation Festival Exhibition in Hangzhou (CICAF), Zhejiang.
Professor Abdennour El Rhalibi represented LJMU along with representatives from 17 other UK universities, including The Arts University College at Bournemouth, Bradford College, University of Central Lancashire, University of the Arts London, Edge Hill University, University College Falmouth, University of Glamorgan, Glasgow School of Art, University of Lincoln, London Metropolitan University, Norwich University College of the Arts, University of Portsmouth, Royal College of Art, The University of Salford, University of Wales, University of Westminster, University of the West of England.
The 12 day visit to China was supported by Professor Madjid Merabti, Director School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and Jon Barrett, Commercial Director, Commercial and International Directorate along with other University staff and LJMU's representative in Shanghai, Ms Ginger Wang.
The British Council's initiative included a one-day Sino-UK forum on Animation and Education with Chinese academic and industry practitioners, Education UK promotional lectures, a three day exhibition and visits to the largest animation studio in China (Zhongnan Cartoon and Animation Production Studio) and the Xiangshan Campus of the China Academy of Fine Arts.
Following his involvement, Professor El Rhalibi was invited to give talks about his research and LJMU courses in a number of institutions, including Hangzhou Normale University at Hangzhou, at Ningbo Industrial Technology Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at Shanghai University and Shanghai University of Sciences and Technology (USST) and the Computer Animation department of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. Professor El Rhalibi commented:
"It was a very fruitful visit, with many opportunities emerging for collaboration in research and education. The communication channels are now open with many universities in China and we will engage further with these institutions to develop relationships and explore models of working together that will be of mutual benefit."
Further information about the exhibition is available at: www.cicaf.com
