China's porcelain capital nurtures dreams of global youth

MAGNET FOR OVERSEAS ARTISTS

At the peak of its "migration boom," over 5,000 people from overseas settled down in the mountainous city of Jingdezhen, making it a hotspot for cultural exchange.

One such artist is Camille Kami, a French talent and graduate of Britain's esteemed Royal College of Art. Before arriving in Jingdezhen in 2015, Kami had lived in the Netherlands, Britain, and Switzerland. Reflecting on her connection to the city, she said that every time she left, she felt an irresistible force pulling her back.

"Jingdezhen is such a unique, pluralistic, and inclusive city in which all kinds of creative ideas are accepted and may become a reality," she said.

Kami now runs two workshops in the city. In creation, she blends elements from China's enchanting folklore with her distinct French-style imagination.

Donghyun Kang, hailing from the Republic of Korea, came to Jingdezhen Ceramic University (JCU) in 2013 for postgraduate studies after completing a bachelor's degree in ceramic design from Seoul National University of Science and Technology.

As the only multi-disciplinary university named after ceramics in China, JCU has drawn more than 3,000 overseas students from over 60 countries and regions since the 1950s.

Following graduation, Kang and his wife established their own ceramic studio, with the support provided by the local government. "The government not only offers policy, financial, and technical assistance but also provides free entrepreneurship training to mitigate the risks faced by start-ups," he said.

Jingdezhen's allure as a global ceramics destination is evident in the diverse community of resident artists at the Jingdezhen International Artist Studio, where talents from approximately 50 countries converge.

"Jingdezhen has now become a powerful magnet, drawing professionals from the ceramics industry around the world," said Jiao Mengtian, president of the Jingdezhen Association for Migrant Artists, Businessmen and Craftsmen.