Preparatory Office for the “Exhibition on China–Arab Friendship and Cooperation”
November 26, 2025
The China–Arab Research Center on Reform and Development is launching a new exhibition titled “China–Arab Friendship and Cooperation.” We invite voluntary, non-commercial submissions of exhibition materials from around the world.
1. Background
For millennia, China and Arab countries have been at the forefront of exchanges among world civilizations. Peaceful cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and shared benefits have long defined China–Arab relations.
Today, as the world undergoes profound and rapid changes, both sides share a strong commitment to continuing this historic friendship, deepening strategic cooperation, and working together to build a China–Arab community with a shared future in the new era.
This exhibition aims to present, in a systematic and engaging way, the rich history of China–Arab cultural exchange and the achievements of cooperation across centuries, especially the progress made since the establishment of the China–Arab strategic partnership in 2012 and the joint exploration of modernization paths.
As a window into our shared memories and common aspirations, the exhibition will celebrate the enduring historical ties between China and Arab countries, foster mutual understanding between civilizations, and support the building of an even closer China–Arab community in the years ahead.
2. What We Are Collecting
We welcome materials, historical or contemporary, that reflect China–Arab exchanges, mutual learning, and cooperation in various fields. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
(1) Historical Artefacts and Archaeological Items
· Objects related to the ancient Silk Roads by land or sea, such as models or reconstructions of transport vessels, and samples or originals of traded goods including silk, spices, porcelain, and tea;
· Archaeological finds such as stone inscriptions, steles, coins, pottery, metalware, paintings, calligraphy, and carvings.
(2) Classical Texts, Documents, and Archival Materials
· Historical diplomatic documents, treaties, and official correspondence;
· Classical works, manuscripts, and translations reflecting intellectual and cultural exchange;
· Letters, diaries, memoirs, or albums recording people-to-people interactions;
· Contracts, ancient maps, navigation charts, trade route diagrams, and historically significant newspapers, magazines, posters, or brochures.
(3) Artworks and Handicrafts
· Traditional crafts reflecting China–Arab friendship, such as Chinese porcelain, silk, or paper-cuttings, and Arab jewellery, carpets, or metalwork;
· Artworks embodying cultural characteristics of both sides, including sculpture, painting, calligraphy, printmaking, and photography;
· Architectural models or images showing the fusion of Chinese and Arab design traditions;
· Traditional musical instruments, scores, recordings, or audiovisual materials that show cross-cultural influence.
(4) Folk Culture and Intangible Heritage
· Chinese traditional garments featuring Arab elements, or Arab garments featuring Chinese elements;
· Decorative items, festival objects, ornaments, or patterns that reflect cultural blending between both sides.
(5) Modern and Contemporary Items
· Memorabilia from China–Arab friendship and cooperation, such as gifts exchanged between sister cities, commemorative medals, certificates, and trophies;
· Physical evidence of cooperation in science, technology, education, or healthcare, including prototypes, teaching materials, medical devices, or interactive displays;
· Photographs, historical images, high-resolution photography, film reels, documentaries, promotional videos, television clips, or short videos documenting important events such as high-level visits, major cooperation projects, cultural activities, and people-to-people exchanges.
(6) Other Materials
Any other items or collections held by individuals or institutions worldwide that carry historical, cultural, or educational value in illustrating China–Arab exchange and mutual understanding.
3. Who Can Contribute
Submissions are welcome from any individual, institution, or organization worldwide that cares about and supports China–Arab friendship and cooperation.
4. Submission Timeline
The call for submissions is open on a rolling basis. The deadline for the first collection is March 31, 2026.
5. How to Contribute
We offer several ways for contributors to share materials:
(1) Donation
Contributors may donate original items. Once authenticated and assessed as suitable for preservation, the Exhibition Office will issue an official certificate of public-interest donation. Donated items will be registered and permanently preserved in the exhibition collection.
(2) Reproduction
For rare or valuable items that contributors wish to keep, we accept high-quality reproductions. Contributors may:
·provide their own reproductions, or
· temporarily lend the originals for on-site reproduction. After reproduction is completed, the original will be returned, and a commemorative certificate will be issued.
(3) Long-term Loan or Entrusted Custody
For items that cannot be donated, contributors may authorize the Exhibition Office to hold and display them while retaining ownership.
Alternatively, items may be loaned for a defined exhibition period.
In all cases, the exhibition will clearly acknowledge the source of each item. The Exhibition Office will sign an agreement with the owner and will provide professioinal conservation and display services free of charge.
6. Submission Process
(1) Initial Submission
Individuals or institutions interested in contributing should first complete the Exhibition Submission Form (see attachment in the original Chinese announcement).
Please send the form to: zazxdl@shisu.edu.cn
Email subject line: “Exhibition Submission – Name of Individual/Institution”
(2) Providing the Materials
·Images and Videos:
Submit digital files together with the form. Images should be at least 300 dpi; videos should be clear and free of watermarks.
·Texts and Documents (originals or copies) & Physical Objects:
Please contact the Working Group by email or phone first. After confirming the item details, staff will provide instructions for shipping or in-person submission.
·Large or Difficult-to-Ship Items:
On-site inspection and assessment can be arranged, after which the most suitable receiving method will be agreed upon.
(3) Review and Evaluation
A panel of experts will assess all proposed items in stages. Evaluation criteria include historical, artistic, and scientific value, as well as preservation conditions.
(4) Confirmation and Procedures
For items approved for inclusion:
·donations will receive a public-interest donation certificate;
·reproductions will receive a commemorative certificate;
·loaned items will be governed by a loan agreement, and exhibitions will acknowledge the contributor.
(5) Collection Management
All accepted items will be registered, catalogued, and photographed for the archive in accordance with the existing non-commercial exhibition materials management system.The Exhibition Office will conduct periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure safety and long-term preservation. Exhibits will be displayed responsibly and accompanied by public-interest interpretation to maximize their educational and cultural value.
(6) Important Notes
Contributors must legally own the items they submit or have the legal right to provide them. Items must be authentic and have a lawful origin, and must not infringe on any third party’s intellectual property or ownership rights. Submissions must comply with relevant cultural property laws of both the contributor’s country and China.
7. Contact Information
Mailing Address (for physical materials):
No. 26 Villa, 1550 Wenxiang Road
China–Arab Research Center on Reform and Development
Shanghai International Studies University
Songjiang District, Shanghai, China
Contacts: Mr. Chen; Ms. Tan
Email:zazxdl@shisu.edu.cn
Phone: +86-21-67703905
Fax: +86-21-67701565
Exhibition on China–Arab Friendship and Cooperation Exhibit and Collection Submission Form.docx