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In 2024, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) Li Dak Sum Incubator and Ningbo Museum embarked on a deep collaboration to jointly launch the "Digital Heritage Talks" project, merging the museum's rich cultural heritage with UNNC's innovative educational philosophy. This initiative creates a unique platform for students to engage in innovative practices while revitalising traditional culture in the digital age, showcasing the essence of national culture to the world.

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From the ivory eagle's head of the Neolithic Age and the brass “yue” with Rowing Men of Feather Headdress from the Warring States period, to the Yue ware green porcelain lotus leaf tea cup with tray from the Tang Dynasty, the artefacts that have been silent for thousands of years were brought vividly to life by UNNC students through AI-generated content, narrating the historical context and cultural significance behind them.

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Xiaoyue Yang, an economics student and leader of the ivory eagle's head team, recalled that after delving into Hemudu culture, the team discovered the ancients' bird worship. This insight inspired them to blend modern sci-fi elements with the artefact, creating a narrative that spans 7,000 years, featuring mother-daughter pairs from the Hemudu era making skyward sacrifices, to contemporary pairs visiting a museum to admire the artefact, and culminating in a future where a young girl becomes an astronaut exploring space.

Such an innovative approach not only transformed the presentation of the artefact into an appealing short film, but also allowed viewers to deeply engage with history and feel the continuity of culture, earning praise from staff at the Ningbo Museum.

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“The process of creation actually presented quite a few difficulties and challenges," noted Meng Zhao, a student of International Communications in the “yue” team. To support this initiative, the Li Dak Sum Incubator provided a comprehensive suite of interdisciplinary training sessions, including script development, AI production techniques, and video rendering, equipping students with the tools and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of AI content creation.

This support extends beyond the classroom, fostering deeper industry connections and opening new doors for students' future endeavours. Looking to the future, the university is committed to continuing this legacy of innovation and supporting students’ creative ideas, helping them achieve greater success in their careers.

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Published on 03 January 2025