On December 16, 2025, a delegation from Newcastle University, led by Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chris Whitehead, visited the Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI). The delegation included Katie Markham, Co-Director of the School of Arts and Culture, and Jessie Su, Head of Chinese Operations of the International Office. They were received by Ms. Wang Yi, Chair of the ICI Council, and Prof. Qin Jian, Dean of ICI.
Ms. Wang Yi and Dean Qin Jian extended a warm welcome to the delegation. Dean Qin then introduced the institute’s distinctive features and practices in the field of creative education. He noted that Newcastle University is renowned for its deep academic heritage and strong global standing in the arts and culture. He expressed hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to explore and build sustainable collaboration through exchanges, joint research, and co-developed programmes, and in doing so, to foster cross-cultural dialogue and innovative advancement in creative education.
Prof. Chris Whitehead recalled the long-standing and solid partnership between Newcastle University and Xiamen University. He introduced the structure and characteristics of the University in creative education. He stated that Newcastle University and ICI share a strong alignment in talent development goals and educational philosophies across multiple fields. He expressed optimism about broadening the scope of collaboration between the two parties.
During the discussion, both parties engaged in practical exchanges on topics including student exchanges, internships, and academic collaboration. They also expressed mutual interest in deepening cooperation in areas such as joint curatorial projects, cultural heritage research, and digital art dissemination. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication going forward and actively explore innovative talent cultivation and high-quality development pathways in the context of interdisciplinary integration between arts and sciences.
During the visit, the delegation visited ICI’s audio-visual labs, reprographics and printing workshops and model-making workshops. They also attended an exhibition featuring work from the Digital Media Arts programme. Throughout the tour, the guests engaged in cordial exchanges with faculty and students, praising the students' creative thinking and practical abilities.
Also in attendance from ICI were Duncan Breeze, Subject Lead for Creative Foundations, Carlo Korinsky, Lecturer in Digital Media Arts, and Huang Xinyi, Director of the Global Engagement Center.
