'New Tang Dynasty' in the global age?
China's increasing global economic integration and breakneck economic growth present not only challenges, but also exciting new possibilities for arts and culture in the nation.
According to Vishakha N. Desai, president of the Asia Society, China's economic growth and stature not only enable the country to absorb outside influences, but also promote the spread of its own culture abroad, an opportunity for a "new Tang Dynasty" - a reference to China's most prosperous previous period.
"Globalization is an interactive process," said Desai, who spoke with China Daily on the sidelines of Asia Society's 18th Asian Corporate Conference in Tianjin. "Westerners now know more about Chinese arts and culture and are interested in being exposed to and learning even more."
"I think it is true that globalization has brought an Americanization of the world, but there is also an Asianization going on," said Desai, an art historian who has led the Asia Society, a major pan-Asian cultural and educational institution, since 2004.
"I would say that for the general educated public in the United States, interest in Chinese traditions and contemporary culture is on the rise. In particular, there has been an explosion in interest in Chinese contemporary visual art."
Some worry whether cynicism and the demands of the marketplace are stifling Chinese culture, but Desai noted that there is actually a revival of the past in China.
More than 300 new museums have been built in the last five years, with plans for 100 new museums to be built in Shanghai alone by 2010.
Chinese artists such as Tan Dun, Ang Lee and Zhang Yimou are receiving international acclaim and unprecedented attention as Chinese contemporary art commands top prices at auction houses around the world. Artists Cai Guoqiang and Zhang Huan, who established themselves outside of China, have now returned to become part of an art market that is experiencing remarkable growth both internationally and at home.
China's ability to import and adapt top talent and world-class artists from around the world is another reflection of its increasing global stature.
In preparation for the Olympics, internationally acclaimed architect Norman Foster was commissioned to design Beijing's new airport terminal, which opened in February 2008.
Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron led the design of the Beijing National Stadium, while Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren created the iconic design for CCTV's new headquarters.
Desai points out that Chinese leaders going back to early history have understood the power of art and culture.
"Culture lies at the core of a nation's identity and this has been understood throughout China's history," she said.
Desai acknowledges aspects of China's culture are at risk in these rapidly changing times and emphasizes the importance of discussing, educating and promoting preservation and cultural sustainability. She commends the Chinese government for recognizing that - an example is its efforts to preserve performing arts by including Peking Opera in national primary school curriculum.
Cultural change accompanies rapid economic growth and it is important to discuss the sustainability of culture in this globalized, commercial age, she said - crucial not just for China, but for all ancient societies of Asia, including India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Korea.
(China Daily 05/29/2008 page21)
