Culture is not a tag affixed to the cities
- Source: The Global Times
- [21:27 May 19 2009]
- Comments
Cultural industries have been increasingly emphasized in Chinese cities in recent years, and a new round of inter-city competition seems to center on this sector.
However, many cities’ initiatives to promote the development of arts and entertainment industries tend to be identical, with minor differentiating characteristics. The majority of the programs focus on sunrise industries such as comics and animation, with the same slogans of “innovative and competitive products.” Culture is used to publicize governmental performance or attract investment, instead of benefiting the public by enriching their spiritual life.
Cities and culture are bound with historical ties. For instance, ancient Rome is known for its gigantic amphitheater and its unique culture, Athens for its dramatic arts and embrace of freedom, and London for the civility of its gentry. Cities in ancient China are renowned for their cultural richness, like the openness and inclusiveness in Chang’an (today’s Xi’an) during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and the thriving folk culture and unique artistry of poets in Suzhou and Hangzhou in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1636- 1912). Only when a city has its own distinguishing cultural features can people there preserve a shared memory and form a common identity.
The high mobility that characterizes modern cities has increasingly estranged the cities and their residents, a crisis that plagues the development of today’s cities.
Some cities strive to maintain links with their residents by holding large-scale public events. Such events, similar to traditional carnivals, reap commercial profits or political gains while contributing little to promote public participation. These activities have gradually become little more than large-scale advertising campaigns.
Cities with deep cultural roots should promote a combination of special traditions and folklore instead of vulgar business exhibitions or cultural festivals to mould the cultural identity that suits the personality and spirit of the local people.
In the long run, the creation of a city’s culture will not be decided by the arts and entertainment industries. If the public can actively participate in discussions on urban cultural affairs, a truly vibrant cultural community can be formed.
(China Youth Daily)