A New Typology of Chinese Rural Revitalization through Art: The Case of Qingtian

Geuntae Park, Ceying Mei

Geuntae Park is Associate Professor at School of Culture and Creativity, BNU-HKBU United International College in Zhuhai, China.
Ceying Mei is Associate Professor at School of Art and Design, Guangdong University of Technology in Guangzhou, China.

ABSTRACT
This case study investigates the possibility of contemporary art acting as a catalyst in Chinese rural revitalization. In particular, by examining the village of Qingtian in Foshan city, Guangdong Province, it identifies the unique feature of the case: the adoption of an art-led approach to the project based on collaboration among various stakeholders. Unlike many other similar projects in China, which have usually been conducted through top-down governmental policy, the Qingtian case has provided a new typology of Chinese rural revitalization through the fair contribution of various stakeholders with art at the heart of the process. It has ultimately contributed to restoring a sense of locality, community and pride in the town.
KEYWORDS
Qingtian; Art-Led Rural Revitalization; Chinese Rural Development; Collaboration of Stakeholders