NEW WAVE: 2024 Degree Show of the Division of Arts at Shenzhen University officially kicked off at 10:00 AM on April 29 at the Shenzhen University Art Museum. Attending the opening ceremony were Vice President Li Yonghua of Shenzhen University; Director Wang Zhizhong of the Organization and United Front Department of the Party Committee of the University; Director Yuan Lei of the Academic Affairs Office; Deputy Director Yang Zhenyu of the Publicity Department of the Party Committee; Party Secretary Zhang Jianbin of the Division of Arts, vice-deans of the division’s schools, faculty representatives; faculty guests from sister universities including Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, and Shenzhen City Polytechnic; guests from industry associations and enterprises; guests from division’s alumni association; and representatives of graduates and their parents.

PART.01

Opening Program

The opening program featured a Guzheng trio performance "Song of Tianshan" and choral performances of “China Must Be Strong” and "My Motherland and Me" by students from the School of Music and Dance, Division of Arts. These performances not only expressed the division's heartfelt wishes for the graduates but also symbolized the graduates' future journey, brave and unstoppable like waves. Amidst the melodious music, the 2024 Degree Show officially set sail.

PART.02

Guest Speeches

Vice President Li Yonghua first expressed his deep gratitude to all those who have long supported the development of Shenzhen University and its Division of Arts. He emphasized that as a university closely aligned with national strategies and rooted in the forefront of technology and a modern metropolis, Shenzhen University aims to cultivate versatile talents with international vision, innovative ability, and strong social responsibility. The Division of Arts stands out among domestic universities with its characteristic deep integration of multiple disciplines. Vice President Li earnestly hopes that the Division of Arts will leverage its professional strengths in the journey towards building a high-level university, passionately telling the stories of China, the special economic zone, and Shenzhen University. In his concluding remarks, he expressed high expectations for the 2024 graduates of the Division of Arts, encouraging them to forge ahead in their artistic pursuits, become trendsetters, and shine brightly in the Greater Bay Area.

Party Secretary Zhang Jianbin expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the school leaders, all faculty members, parents, and industry friends. It is their strong support and selfless dedication that have laid the foundation for the students' growth. He also elaborated on the core philosophy and mission of the Division of Arts, which continuously explores new paths in art education, closely aligning with the national cultural development strategy, striving to achieve a perfect blend of art with technology and society. This exhibition, divided into five sections - "Discussion: Gaining Momentum," "Exhibition: Surging Flow," "Performance: Tides," "Show: Attraction," and "Collection: Star Cluster" - aims to comprehensively showcase the students' unique insights and bold attempts in artistic exploration and innovation, vividly demonstrating the style and potential of the new stars of contemporary art. Finally, Secretary Zhang passionately encouraged the students to continue their love for art, adhere to the principles of virtue and artistry, and with persistent learning and boundless creativity, actively contribute to the construction of socialist modernization with Chinese characteristics and the advancement of human culture.

Huang Yunfei, a student from the 2020 class majoring in Product Design, is also a director of the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF), founder of Feiyu Creative Brand, national coordinator for Bird Collision Survey, 11th President of Shenzhen University Bird Watching Society, and a member of the Shenzhen Young Artists and Calligraphers Association. She expressed her deep gratitude to Shenzhen University, the Division of Arts, her teachers, classmates, and family. She shared her passion for both art and nature, and recounted how she and her fellow art students continually explored and grew on the vibrant and creative platform provided by the division. Looking forward, she plans to continue her work in design and environmental protection, carrying forward the spirit of innovation and exploration fostered by her school and division, and contributing her efforts to society.

Mr. Zhu Decai, a 1993 graduate of the Industrial Design program and the first rotating president of the Division of Arts Alumni Association, played a key role in the overall planning of this year's Degree Show. As a proud alumnus of Shenzhen University and a professional in the arts industry, he congratulated the graduates and expressed his honor in participating in the graduation exhibition planning. Mr. Zhu praised the students' innovative spirit and artistic potential, encouraging them to maintain their enthusiasm for the future. Reflecting on his own university experience, Mr. Zhu said, "Shenzhen University taught our generation freedom and courage, and what it means to be creative. I sincerely hope to pass on this spirit to the students who are about to graduate and step into society. He also expressed his gratitude to his alma mater, the Division of Arts, and all the faculty and staff involved in the Degree Show preparations, wishing the graduates success in their future endeavors.

PART.03

Launch Ceremony

The highlight of the opening ceremony was the "explosive" launch of the Degree Show, with participation from both on-campus and off-campus guests. Important attendees included Director Wang Zhizhong from the Organization Department, Director Yuan Lei from the Academic Affairs Department, Secretary Zhang Jianbin from the Division of Arts, Professor Chen Xiangbing, Deputy Director of Division of Arts and Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Design, Mr. Zhu Decai, the rotating chairman of the Division of Arts Alumni Association of Shenzhen University, and Mr. Zhang Hongtao, the Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Fashion Design Association. Together, they "ignited" three balloons representing the three major colleges of the Division of Arts, symbolizing the vitality and innovative spirit of the division.

With this, the 2024 "NEW WAVE" Degree Show was officially launched! The upcoming events will belong to the "new wave" of the Division of Arts, ready to lead the new trends and set new directions.

Division of Arts, Shenzhen University

April 31, 2024