THE Victoria and Albert Musuem (V&A) and China Merchants Group (CMG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in operating a design museum in Shekou, Shenzhen’s Nanshan District.

    The two sides are in advanced discussions on the creation of the first major design museum in South China, which is expected to provide a platform to promote Chinese design works to an international audience as well as to present the best international design works within China.

    The MOU was signed at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Beijing early last week with the presence of Maria Miller MP, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, as part of U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to China.

    Martin Roth, the V&A director, said: “It is very exciting for the V&A to foster a partnership with CMG to develop a design museum in the city which has become a truly creative hub. CMG is a most trusted partner and we are looking forward to working closely with them on this major project.”

    Fu Yuning, chairman of CMG, said, “CMG is delighted to be working with the V&A as they not only have a long connection with China, but also understand the role of a contemporary museum and bring a great wealth of expertise. I expect this collaboration would create a wonderful new museum, and hence promote the development of China’s creative industry and the progress of design.”

    The design museum currently under construction is located in the Sea World Square renovation project’s Culture and Art Center, which is designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki.

    The V&A is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of more than 4.5 million objects.

    (Tan Yaoquan)