Established on September 23, 2025, the Institute is an independent university-level research institution under Nanchang University, affiliated with the School of Arts. Anchored in China’s national strategy for cultural heritage innovation, the Institute champions the construction of a self-reliant knowledge system for Chinese arts and cultural heritage. It focuses on pivotal areas such as advancing theoretical frameworks in art studies, fostering systematic protection of cultural heritage, and revitalizing intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through dynamic preservation. The Institute aspires to become a globally influential hub for arts and cultural heritage research, blending academic excellence with strategic relevance.
I. Team Strengths
The Institute convenes a multidisciplinary team of distinguished scholars from fields including art theory, cultural heritage studies, humanities, information science, and engineering. Led by Professor Liu Zhen, Nanchang University’s Distinguished Professor, Chair of the China Mei Lanfang Cultural and Art Research Association, and recipient of the State Council Special Allowance, the team integrates faculty expertise from the Schools of Arts, Humanities, Journalism and Communication, Architecture and Design, and Artificial Intelligence. Collaborating with renowned domestic and international experts via its Academic Committee, the Institute boasts a robust structure of full-time and adjunct researchers.
II. Research Directions
The Institute operates five specialized centers and an editorial office:
Center for Art Theory；Center for Chinese Opera and Quyi Studies；Center for Cultural Heritage Protection；Center for Interdisciplinary Arts Research；Editorial Office for Studies in Chinese Arts and Cultural Heritage.
Key initiatives include:
Advancing Indigenous Art Theory: Developing critical frameworks and disciplinary foundations for Chinese art studies.
Historical Archiving and Innovation: Documenting Jiangxi’s rich cultural legacies (e.g., opera, music, calligraphy, ceramics, architecture) to drive creative transformation and revitalization.
Preserving Endangered Heritage: Safeguarding intangible traditions through digital technologies and nurturing youth engagement in ICH transmission.
Platform Development: Launching the peer-reviewed journal Studies in Chinese Arts and Cultural Heritage and hosting global academic forums.
Social Impact: Implementing large-scale cultural projects (e.g., the Tang Xianzu Studies initiative) to bolster Jiangxi’s "Cultural Province" strategy.
III. Achievements & Foundations
The Institute has spearheaded nationally funded projects, including:
Major Projects: Constructing Contemporary Chinese Opera Criticism and Discourse Systems(National Social Science Fund).
General Projects: Literary Influence of Wu Songs and Western Music(National Social Science Fund); Compilation of Cold Mountain Hall Opera Scores* (National Ancient Texts Preservation Program).
Artistic Initiatives: Talent cultivation programs supported by the National Arts Fund.
Scholarly outputs include over 100 CSSCI-indexed papers and monographs like Infinite Stories of Mei Lanfang. Collaborations span top-tier institutions such as Peking University, Renmin University, Nanjing University, the China Academy of Art, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
IV. Vision for the Future
Embracing the ethos of "upholding tradition while innovating, fostering collaboration", the Institute prioritizes strategic research and interdisciplinary synergy. By deepening theoretical frameworks and safeguarding cultural legacies, it aims to:
Elevate China’s soft power through globally resonant cultural narratives.
Serve as a model for heritage stewardship, balancing preservation with innovation.
Cement Nanchang University’s role as a leader in humanities-driven research for national cultural rejuvenation.
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