SAGE Worldwide would like to Congratulation one of its exclusive speakers, Alison Friedman, on becoming the newest Public Intellectuals Program Fellow in the National Committee on United States-China Relations.

Friedman is Founder and Creative Director of Ping Pong Productions, whose aim is to bring China together with the world through the performing arts. One of the only foreigners regularly consulted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture for her expertise in China’s contemporary performing arts with a focus on contemporary dance, Friedman has worked to develop structures and channels in China to support both established and young independent performing artists. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and political negotiations, Friedman has worked in the performing arts in China for more than a decade. She served as international director of the Beijing Modern Dance Company, general manager of Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun’s company Parnassus Productions, Inc., and as a producer and host on Chinese national radio and television programs.

As Director of Ping Pong Productions, Friedman works closely with Chinese and international governments and arts organizations to facilitate collaborations, tours, and lasting artistic relationships. Now with her nomination into the PIP she will, though a varied set of activities spread out over two-and-a-half years, have the opportunity to expand her knowledge of China by collaborating with fellow PIP members as well as specialists from a variety of fields.

The PIP is an enrichment opportunity intended to complement participants’ primary academic or professional positions. The PIP encourages it’s fellows to actively use their knowledge to inform policy and public opinion. The program offers unique opportunities for professional development, mentoring by senior scholars, networking, and exposure. As a new member, Friedman will gain access to senior policymakers and experts in both the United States and China, and to individuals and fields that can help her expand her current skills and experiences. Friedman and the other PIP fellows will all play a pivotal role helping to upgrading the quality of American public understanding of China by strengthening links among U.S. academics, policymakers, opinion leaders, and the public.

Edited by: Casey Higgins, Source: Sep 8, 2014, PIP-IV-Fellows