The contents and choices of the political theme exhibition of China’s national key art museum in 2018

Abstract

The article presents the results of analysis of exhibitions on political topics held in the leading national art museums of the People’s Republic of China in 2018. Political theme of the exhibitions is defined by key terms in four basic aspects. Firstly, the fortieth anniversary of the policy of “reform and openness”, that has defined China’s national development since 1978 and has already ensured the construction of a socialist market economy. Secondly, the 19th National Congress of the Communist party of China (2017), which set the goal of a comprehensive national revival. Thirdly, the One Belt One Road initiative, which involves the use of historical symbols for the peaceful development and strengthening of economic partnerships between participating countries. Fourthly, a workshop on literature and art (October 2014), in which Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Council, set tasks for cultural institutions and workers. The ideas and key terms of these areas have become the subject of analysis of the exhibition activities of museums. As a result, it was revealed that six of the nine key museums in China actively use political themes, thereby realizing the social mission of museums. Two decisive factors that determine the choice of a specific exhibition theme by museums are identified: the geographical location of the region and its economic development. Precisely under the influence of these factors and in the context of the tasks to reveal political themes, the museums in 2018 actualized the cultural traditions of the regions and responded to the most important events related to the current stage of the reform and openness policy.