From July 2 to 5, the“Gen Z”International Youth Ceramic Art Camp took place at Jingdezhen Ceramic University. More than 30 international students from 16 countries and 7 universities across China participated in the event.
At the opening ceremony, participants watched a promotional video about the university. On behalf of the school, Zeng Desheng warmly welcomed the representatives from various universities and the young international artists. He highlighted that ceramics are not only a vital symbol of Chinese civilization but also an enduring cultural bridge connecting different parts of the world. Known as the“Porcelain Capital of the World”, Jingdezhen has cultivated exquisite ceramic craftsmanship and a profound ceramic culture. The university, with its long history closely tied to porcelain, shoulders the responsibility of preserving and advancing ceramic culture, as well as promoting ceramic education and industry development in China. Zeng emphasized that ceramic culture links both the city and the university, serving as an important bridge for international youth exchange. With the theme of“Exchange·Collision”, the camp aimed to build a high-level international platform for exploring the future of ceramic art. He encouraged participants to gain a deeper understanding of the brilliance and artistry of Chinese ceramic history, create works rich in originality and personal style, and explore mutual learning through cultural exchange.
Following the ceremony, the creative sessions officially began. The camp offered a curriculum that blended traditional techniques with modern practice. Participants visited Jingpiao Home at Sanbao Village and the Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum to explore the city’s cultural heritage. At the university’s Training Center and its Lab 108 Ceramic Studio, they practiced wheel throwing, slab and coil building, hand-sculpting, and ceramic painting, experiencing both the plasticity of clay and the diverse possibilities of artistic expression.
Field study at the Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum
Coil-building and hand-sculpting practice
Ceramic painting creation
On July 5, Zeng Desheng visited the Studio to view the students’creations and praised their work. Participants shared reflections on topics such as material innovation and cross-cultural expression, sparking lively discussion.
Over four days of immersive learning, young artists not only gained hands-on experience in Jingdezhen’s traditional ceramic craftsmanship but also, through cross-linguistic and cross-cultural exchange, integrated their own national artistic styles into their ceramic works. Jin Liang, a faculty member of the School of Fine Arts, noted:“The students brought powerful artistic energy from their own countries into ceramic creation. It’s not just a study of skills, but an emotional expression as well.”Huifen from Bangladesh said:“Before coming to China, I knew little about ceramic culture and history. I only thought of it as tableware. But in Jingdezhen, I discovered its richness. Ceramics are everywhere in our lives. I feel very lucky to join this event and I’ve gained so much.”Hamza from Morocco reflected:“What I learned most is that ceramics are not only an art form but also an essential part of Chinese culture. I respect the artists who create these works, and I feel fortunate to have tried it myself.”Eishin from Zimbabwe remarked:“Ceramics combine ancient techniques with modern innovations, just like the world we live in today. Ceramic culture is not limited to thepast;it still lives within us. For me, it feels like a dialogue across time, which is deeply meaningful.”
The camp was hosted by Jingdezhen Ceramic University, organized by the Student Affairs Office, and co-organized by the Youth League Committee, School of Fine Arts, School of Culture and Communication, International School, and University Museum. With the approach of“bringing in and going out”, the event established the Jingdezhen“Gen Z”International Youth Cultural Exchange Base. By using ceramics as a medium, the camp fostered cultural recognition and appreciation among international youth for China’s traditional heritage.
As a significant initiative for promoting global exchanges in ceramic art, the camp not only provided“Gen Z”participants with a platform for honing their skills but also built a bridge for intercultural dialogue in the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative. Similar international events will continue in the future, encouraging more young artists to explore the future of ceramic art through the fusion of tradition and modernity.
