On November 10th, the launching ceremony of the SHANGHAI IN MY MIND global creative design solicitation in the Nordic region and the “Shanghai Let’s Meet” city image promotion event in Denmark were held at the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen. Following the successful conclusion of the 6th China International Import Expo, “Shanghai Let’s Meet” left its imprint on the global design landscape, presenting Shanghai’s contemporary urban image through multimedia formats. From various perspectives, the event passionately narrated the vibrant spirit of Shanghai to the world and warmly invited Nordic designers and creative minds to participate in the global solicitation of SHANGHAI IN MY MIND, jointly depicting their unique impressions of Shanghai.
Supported by the Embassy of China in Denmark and the Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the event was co-hosted by the the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen and the Shanghai Center for City Design Promotion. Over 70 guests from China and Denmark, including representatives from the organizing committee, Jeppe Sebastian Kofod, former Danish Foreign Minister and European Parliament member, Liang Bin, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Denmark, Zheng Wen, Director of the Copenhagen Chinese Cultural Center, and cultural and creative professionals from Denmark, IBA International Confucius Institute, and local art institutions, attended the launch ceremony.
This event marks the kick-off of the global tour of the “SHANGHAI IN MY MIND Global Solicitation,” a key project for the international promotion of Shanghai’s urban image. The exhibition showcased initial works from nine designers and creative individuals from Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, and Shanghai, unveiling 15 sets of “SHANGHAI IN MY MIND” Shanghai city impression art posters. The exhibition continues to attract global designers and creative individuals to perceive Shanghai’s urban image and engage with Chinese stories. The global solicitation was launched during the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, and the Copenhagen exhibition features works making their international debut, complementing the outstanding works simultaneously exhibited in Shanghai, creating a synergy between the two cities.
At the unveiling ceremony, with the joint witness of Chinese and Danish guests, representatives of the organizing committee, Liang Bin, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Denmark, Zheng Wen, Director of the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen, and Jeppe Sebastian Kofod, former Danish Foreign Minister, pressed the start button, inviting Danish and Nordic designers and creative individuals to express their perceptions and feelings about Shanghai through artistic creation, interpreting the charm of Shanghai from a fresh and international perspective.
Director Zheng Wen of the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen described his vision of Shanghai to the guests during the launch ceremony, emphasizing Shanghai as a melting pot of East and West cultures, a point of connection between Chinese and Western civilizations, and a crossroads of Chinese and world civilizations. He encouraged young Danish design enthusiasts present at the event to actively participate in the solicitation, using design language to narrate their vision of Shanghai and depict contemporary China from their unique perspectives.
Jeppe Sebastian Kofod, the former Danish Foreign Minister, conveyed that the relations between Denmark and China are reaching unprecedented levels, emphasizing that the significance of art in the integration and development of the two nations should not be overlooked. Copenhagen, known as the artistic capital of the Nordic region, has a high demand for art among its people, while Shanghai, recognized as the “City of Design” by UNESCO, is a globally connected international metropolis with strong innovation capabilities. Both cities are timely selections for joint cultural and artistic exchanges, offering more opportunities for urban art enthusiasts to showcase their talents.
Liang Bin, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Denmark, highlighted Shanghai’s status as a multicultural hub with a blend of modernity and tradition, while Denmark is renowned for its sleek and delicate design concepts worldwide. He expressed the hope that through this event, more Danes would come to understand and eventually fall in love with Shanghai. He also hoped to strengthen exchanges in the design field between China and Denmark through this cultural platform project, further promoting cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, and advocating for “mutual learning and shared beauty,” creating a new chapter in China-Denmark friendship. Director Luo Zhiwei of the Shanghai Center for City Design Promotion also delivered a speech through video.
The “SHANGHAI IN MY MIND” theme event marks the initial stage of the “Shanghai Let’s Meet” campaign in Denmark, unfolding Chinese narratives and highlighting the enchanting facets of Shanghai. It acts as a conduit for communicating and connecting cultures. The Danish promotional initiative thoughtfully chose photos that capture the contemporary essence of Shanghai, fostering a lively interaction between authentic scenes and imaginative poster designs. It invites those who love Shanghai to perceive, understand, and imagine the possibilities of Shanghai through different perspectives.