The past three months have disrupted China’s cultural sphere in seismic and unprecedented ways. In January, Chinese institutions were busy preparing for the busiest travel period on the calendar; the Lunar New Year. Weeks later they were forced shut as coronavirus swept the country into lockdown. In an instant, year defining cultural touch points from the 600th anniversary of the Forbidden City to the opening of Beijing’s newest contemporary art museum were jettisoned.
Central among the questions posed by the crisis to China’s museums, art galleries, and historic tourist sites was; how can cultural institutions support a homebound citizenry during a period of closure? From enormous state-run museums to small private galleries, their responses have been swift, innovative, but most fundamentally, humane.
As COVID-19 becomes a pandemic, global arts and culture institutions currently face the same daunting reality of months without physical visitors. While health and family undeniably take precedence in these unnerving times, institutions can still offer a much-needed sense of community and their cultural offerings remain vital sources of comfort, reflection, and distraction. Through collaboration, innovation, and determination they must strive to demonstrate that culture never closes.
As a publication focused on the cultural connections between China and the world, Jing Travel exists to demonstrate the relevance of essential cultural news and trends to our readership.
It is for this reason that we have released “Growing Your Audience in a Crisis: Lessons from Chinese Cultural Institutions”.
Through presenting key data points, notable case studies from Chinese cultural institutions, and the insights of industry experts we hope to offer strategies and inspiration at this trying moment.
To access and download the report click here.
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