Australia-China Arts and Cultural Symposium

This event is a major step in both nations' arts and culture relationship following the Inaugural Australia-China Cultural Dialogue in 2016. Hosted by Adelaide Festival Centre and the University of South Australia School of Management, this event will bring together senior arts and cultural leaders, sharing experiences with collaborative projects and insight on relationship development.

The symposium will open with a talk on Chinese intangible cultural heritage, delivered by Mr Yang Zhi, Minister Counselor for cultural affairs at the Embassy of P.R.China in Australia. Mr Yang is a policy maker in the international field of multilateral cultural diplomacy. He was in charge of submissions of Chinese intangible cultural heritage elements and best safeguarding practices to UNESCO.

The symposium will also feature the launch of Australia-China Arts and Cultural Exchange Report which has examined Australia-China arts and cultural exchange and engagement activities by looking back on the period 2007–2017 and forward to the next decade of opportunities and challenges.

Commissioned during the Inaugural Australia-China Cultural Dialogue and recently launched in Beijing, this study was undertaken and funded by the University of South Australia, working in collaboration with Beijing Normal University with grants provided by the Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and Adelaide Festival Centre, as well as support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of P.R.China and the Embassy of P.R.China in Australia. The event will conclude with a discussion on where this study is leading us, and what might be the blueprint for Australia-China cultural exchange in the future.

Following the Symposium, celebrate the Year of the Pig with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. A concert of popular masterworks and traditional Chinese favourites will begin at 5pm in Festival Theatre. More details at the Adelaide Festival Centre's website.