Today, we gather here with a diverse assembly of accomplished figures in the arts, including respected veteran writers and artists, as well as emerging talents. Some of you I know well, while others I am meeting for the first time. It brings me great joy to see all of you.
The arts are a vital endeavor for both the Party and the people. The artistic front plays an essential role in serving the Party and the public. For a long time, countless artists and cultural workers have dedicated themselves to creation, performance, research, and dissemination, toiling diligently in their respective fields and providing significant contributions to society. Thanks to our collective efforts, the landscape of our national arts is flourishing, rich with achievements and creativity. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude and extend sincere greetings to all arts workers across the country!
The purpose of this symposium is something I have considered for a while, and I am grateful for the chance to listen to your opinions and suggestions today. I want to work with you all to analyze the current state of the arts, exchange ideas, and discuss plans for the flourishing development of the arts in our country. I was truly inspired by the insightful speeches from several colleagues earlier. Now, I would like to address five key points for our discussion.
Firstly, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation requires the flourishing of Chinese culture. This raises the question: why should we place high importance on the arts and artistic work? We must examine this in the context of both national and global trends. I have often stated that realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the greatest dream of the Chinese people since modern times. Today, we stand closer to this goal than ever before, filled with confidence and capability to achieve it. However, fulfilling this aspiration necessitates a strong focus on the significant role of the arts and the artists behind them.
Culture is a critical force for the survival and development of a nation. Each leap in human society, each enhancement of civilization, has been accompanied by historic cultural progress. The Chinese nation boasts a civilization that spans over 5,000 years, with China being a global power throughout antiquity. Throughout our long history, we have faced numerous challenges and hardships, yet we have persisted, largely due to the unique and profound culture cultivated by generations of Chinese people, which has provided us with robust spiritual support.
German philosopher Karl Jaspers noted in his work “The Origin and Goal of History” that from 800 BC to 200 BC was a pivotal “Axial Age” for human civilization, marked by significant breakthroughs in thought from ancient Greece, China, India, and beyond. The insights produced by this era have shaped diverse cultural traditions and continue to influence human society today. The reason the Chinese nation holds a significant place and influence in the world is not due to military might or external expansion but stems from the powerful allure and attraction of Chinese culture.
Our ancestors understood the importance of cultural virtues when facing foreign influences, emphasizing that we should educate and win over the hearts of others through moral integrity and cultural depth. Historical and contemporary evidence both show that human civilization is a collective creation of people from all nations and ethnicities. During my visits around the world, I find immense admiration for the rich cultural contributions made by various peoples.
As we reflect on the current global cultural landscape, it is essential that we remain anchored in our roots while embracing contemporary developments. Without a flourishing Chinese culture, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation cannot be realized. The revival of a nation relies not only on material strength but also on spiritual fortitude. Without advanced culture guiding us positively, without enriching the spiritual lives of the people, and without a strong sense of national spirit, a country cannot stand confidently among the nations of the world.
Artistic expression is both a mirror of our times and a vehicle for leading social trends. History shows that during the European Renaissance, figures like Dante, Petrarch, and Shakespeare heralded new eras, awakening the hearts and minds of their contemporaries. In the context of China’s development, the evolution of art has remained intertwined with the growth of the nation itself.
As we work towards our goals set by the Party, we must recognize the importance of cultural creation. Achieving our ambitious targets requires tremendous spirit. The role of the arts is irreplaceable in this mission, and artists have vital contributions to make. Creative personnel must recognize their historical mission and responsibilities from this elevated perspective.
Renowned writer Lu Xun once stated that to transform the spiritual world of the Chinese people, literature and arts should take the lead. Artists must become pioneers and advocates for moral integrity, creating works that reflect the great practices of our citizens, embody the beauty of faith and righteousness, promote the spirit of China, and inspire all people towards a brighter future.
Secondly, we must create exemplary works that resonate with our times. The measure of an era’s artistic achievement is ultimately in the quality of its output. Cultivating a flourishing artistic environment requires producing exceptional works worthy of our great nation and its era. Without quality works, any flurry of activity merely scratches the surface and does not delve into the souls of the people. Creators should steadfastly remember that their foremost task is to create, offering the finest spiritual sustenance to the public.
Exemplary artistic works reflect a nation’s cultural creativity and standards. Engaging, guiding, and enlightening audiences necessitates quality works that articulate contemporary Chinese values, embody the spirit of Chinese culture, and showcase the aesthetic pursuits of the Chinese people. Our goal should be to produce an abundance of notable works characterized by a unity of thought, art, and visual appeal. Quality works must span genres and styles, ensuring diversity that resonates positively with the public.
The arts should permeate every aspect of human existence, drawing on experiences of joy and sorrow, love and hate, and life and death. It is vital that we appeal to and understand younger generations, as the arts have the most significant pull on their hearts. Literature and art should continue to serve as bridges for mutual understanding between different nations and cultures. Last year, I referenced many Russian writers whose works left a lasting impression on me. I have similarly been influenced by French literature, as many of our Party’s earlier leaders studied there and nurtured a deep respect for its artistic contributions.
However, we also need to recognize existing challenges in artistic creation today, such as the prevalence of quantity over quality, plagiarism, and formulaic approaches. In some works, we see a distorted portrayal of the sublime and a trivialization of the heroic. What we produce cannot be merely commercialized or sensationalized; our creations must provide meaningful insights into life, cultivate moral values, and promote positive energy.
Artists should embrace a yearning for excellence, with profound thought, artistic skill, and meticulous craftsmanship as the foundation for creating timeless works. History teaches us that great works arise from passion, commitment, and reflection. We must remain dedicated to innovative practices while rooted firmly in our reality.
Regarding the development of artistic forms, we must also be adaptive to the moves brought by technology and new media. The rise of various new artistic types requires us to embrace these developments while ensuring a responsible guidance toward positive reflection in our creative output. The responsibility to foster arts that thrive in the new landscape falls upon us.
In summary, effective leadership from the Party is essential to supporting the arts. Our function is to serve the people, and that must remain at the forefront of all we do. We should bolster collaboration with artists, respecting their creative processes while upholding artistic standards in our public discourse.
As we endeavor to realize the aspirations of our time, we must strive to create an environment conducive to producing premium artistic achievement. I encourage all of you to rise to meet the expectations of this era, contributing to the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage and nurturing the ambitions of our nation!
