Peking University, Nov.17, 2011: On November 12, the Sunshine Hall of the Yingjie Overseas Exchange Centre, Peking University (PKU), was full of guests celebrating the fifth anniversary of the School of Art. It was also a summit forum for discussion about cultural heritage and artistic innovation.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Feng Yuan, vice president of the Chinese Cultural Federation and secretary of its secretariat, expressed his congratulations to all the students and teachers of PKU School of Art. This year, as approved by the Academic Degree Commission of China’s State Council, ‘Art Theory’ has officially become an independent subject. This has offered an invaluable historical opportunity for the advancement of art theory. As a foundation for the education and study of modern art, the PKU School of Art will play an increasingly significant role in the cultural development and prosperity of China.

Mr. Feng Yuan

Professor Zhang Yan read out the congratulatory letter from PKU Council Chairman Zhu Shanlu. Through the letter, Zhu Shanlu reviewed the long history of PKU’s artistic education, spoke highly of the School of Art’s achievements in cultivating talent, teaching and researching, and looked forward to a bright future of solidarity and breakthroughs.

PKU Vice Council Chairman Zhang Yan

In celebration of this event, President Zhou Qifeng specially inscribed one famous motto of Fei Hsiao Tung, implying that to build a harmonious world, people must learn to appreciate their own, as well as others', creations of beauty.

A motto written by President Zhou Qifeng was presented to the School.

Professor Ye Lang, honorary dean and senior professor of the School of Art, delivered the keynote speech entitled, “To Shoulder the Historical Responsibility Endowed by Our Time”. He pointed out that ever since Cai Yuanpei assumed the presidential position, PKU has established a long-held tradition of encouraging aesthetic and artistic cultivation; the School of Art should cherish and develop this tradition. In the meantime, he presented some further thoughts on the many perspectives of viewing artistic innovation, such as relating art with science, humanities, and industry. In this era, the School of Art should cultivate innovative talents, promote the fusion between art and modern technology, and lead the whole of society towards higher spiritual pursuit. During this process, Chinese culture can reach out to the world.

Prof. Ye Lang

The Dean, Wang Yichuan, made a speech in hindsight of its five-year development. He noted in his speech the school’s new mission for the future. With a prospect of vibrant growth and cooperation among the teachers and students, Wang Yichuan anticipated that the School of Art would match its glorious past in building a centre for research in art theory.

Prof. Wang Yichuan

Speakers in the ceremony also included Huang Huilin (Dean of the Institute of the International Communication of Chinese Culture, Beijing Normal University), Bai Xianyong (a professor of the University of California Santa Barbara), and Yin Hong (Executive Deputy Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University). Their topics varied from cultural heritage and artistic education to the communication of the Chinese classics.

Prof. Huang Huilin

Prof. Bai Xianyong

Prof. Yin Hong

Group photo of all the attendees

Written by: Yan Binghan
Edited by: Arthars, DJRM
Source: PKU News (Chinese)