On 6 December 2023, a momentous Unveiling Ceremony took place at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, marking the inception of the "Ningbo Social Science Research Base on International Development of Ningbo Cultural and Creative Industries." Hosted by Ningbo Academy of Social Sciences (NBASS) and the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, the event welcomed esteemed university leaders, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences members, and experts in Ningbo's cultural and creative industries.

The Base, situated at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, is a hub that connects global resources, introduces leading talents, and collaborates with world-class universities and local partners. Its primary goal is to enhance cultural exchanges and elevate China and Ningbo's global presence by focusing on local culture with a global perspective.

"Establishing the Ningbo Social Science Research Base on International Development of Ningbo Cultural and Creative Industries signifies that we will take more solid steps on the road of international communication." Cai Zhengyu, Deputy Chair of Ningbo Academy of Social Sciences (NBASS), congratulated the base on its inauguration. He emphasised the importance of clarifying goals, building an international communication platform, and deepening research to boost Ningbo's cultural and creative industries.

Professor Sam Shen, Secretary of the Party Committee of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, highlighted the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ mission in talent cultivation, research, innovation, and international exchanges, etc. The Base, he noted, is pivotal in promoting Ningbo's cultural industries on a global scale and advancing social sciences' research and development in Ningbo.

Dr Celia Lam, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences introduced the six projects supervised by Chief Expert Dr. Filippo Gilardi, spanning transnational music education, fashion, Chinese mask opera, short films, and local museum creativity. These projects aim to propel China's creative sector forward and foster global collaboration.

During the afternoon’s expert sharing and roundtable discussion session, Professor David Marshall, Honorary Professor at the School of International Communications, shared his view on cultural and creative industry in Ningbo, and expressed encouragement for Ningbo to build upon its foundation in Chinese culture and create innovative cultural and creative products for international communication. Representatives from industry partners such as Tianyi Ge Museum, Ningbo Short Film Association, Ningbo Yong Opera Research and Learning Center, along with academics from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, engaged in discussion on topics like the practical impact of research base on society, meaning making of media content on social media platforms, fostering rich exchange and collaboration opportunities between academic and industry representatives.

Dr Filippo Gilardi concluded the event, highlighting the Base's future focus on local-global integration, industry-education alignment, academic research, and cultural exchanges to bolster China and Ningbo's international image.