China expert to give talk at Zibo exhibition

David Hodge, Leader of Surrey County Council, and Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, with visitors from Zibo City, in China, during the official opening of an exhibition of Chinese ceramics, at the Lightbox in Woking. Download this photo here.

Detail:

A leading expert in Chinese business and culture will give an insight into the country’s emergence as a world power and its impact on the West.

A talk from former Secretary General of the European Chamber of Commerce in China Michael O’Sullivan will take place at the Lightbox in Woking, which is currently hosting an exhibition of art from the acclaimed Zibo Ceramics Museum in northern China.

Coinciding with the start of the exhibition last month, which is supported by Surrey County Council, was a visit by a delegation of business leaders from Zibo City who are seeking to develop trade opportunities with Surrey.

Mr O’Sullivan, also a former China Director for the British Council in Beijing, will use the Zibo ceramics exhibition as a setting for his talk on China’s economy, politics and culture.

Quote:

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, said: “I’m sure Michael will provide a fascinating insight into China’s economy and culture and the ceramics exhibition will provide the perfect setting. We’ve been working hard to promote business and cultural links between Surrey and Zibo City, which has one of the fastest growing economies in China. A strong relationship could have enormous economic benefits for Surrey.”

Further information:

Michael O’Sullivan’s talk, called the Emergence of China, will take place from 7pm, on Thursday 24 November at the Lightbox in Woking. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £5 for concessions. Contact the Lightbox on 01483 737837 to book and for further information. Advance booking is required.

The ceramics exhibition, called From the Realm of the Dragon: the Ceramic Heritage of Zibo, China, runs until the 11 December. It charts the development of the production of ceramics in China and focuses in particular on the region of Zibo in the Shangdong Province, which has a history of ceramic production spanning thousands of years.

ENDS

For more information on the talk or exhibition, contact Lightbox Marketing Manager Becky Bristow at becky.bristow@thelightbox.org.uk

For more information on Surrey County Council’s efforts to promote links with Zibo City, contact Surrey County Council senior media relations officer James Oxley at james.oxley@surreycc.gov.uk