ACIAC Seminar: Cultural Diplomacy and Australia-China Relations

DETAILS Date: Tuesday, 20 November 2018 Time: 3:00 - 6:00pm Venue: EA.G.19 (LT03), Parramatta Campus (South), Western Sydney University RSVP Essential. Please RSVP before 19 November, 2018. Abstract What is cultural diplomacy? How has cultural diplomacy contributed to the building and strengthening of Australia-China bilateral relations? What have been the policies and good practices? This public seminar brings together three leading figures in the area to share their insights on the evolving concepts and practices of cultural diplomacy. They are Professor Jocelyn Chey (former Cultural Counsellor in China, Consul General in Hong Kong and founding Director of ACIAC), Distinguished Professor Ien Ang (founding Director of the Institute for Culture and Society, and ACIAC key researcher), and Professor Nicholas Jose (former Cultural Counsellor in China, and well-known writer). Drawing on their research, practice, and successful personal careers, the three speakers will address the historical evolution of cultural diplomacy as a new paradigm of international relations; the history and contemporary development of cultural diplomacy between Australia and China; and literary exchange as a particularly interesting case in Australia-China cultural diplomacy. The value of cultural diplomacy is reinforced in the light of the new challenges and opportunities in Australia-China relations. Australia-China Institute for Arts and Culture is devoted to facilitating cultural exchange and cultural diplomacy through research, engagement and teaching. Our new Master program of Chinese Cultural Relations aims to cultivate the next generation of cultural navigators and prepare them for a professional career in these thriving fields. This public seminar offers an opportunity for attendees to discuss key issues facing cultural diplomacy between Australia and China and to hear from practitioners/academics how the exchange of ideas and communication in arts and culture can enhance mutual understanding and trust between peoples. Program 3:00 - 3:10pm Welcome and introduction 3:10 - 3:40pm Session 1: Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Power and Cultural Relations:Distinguished Professor Ien Ang In this talk Professor Ang will provide a broad overview of what is meant by ‘cultural diplomacy’, how it has evolved in the past few decades, and what it means in today’s globalised world. Professor Ang will discuss the rise of the concept of ‘soft power’ in this context, and how it is being used by countries around the world including Australia and China. Professor Ang will discuss not only the benefits, but also the limitations of the idea of soft power when applying it to cultural diplomacy. In particular, Professor Ang will focus on the importance of cultural diplomacy not just as a means of projecting soft power, but as a way of enhancing sustained, mutually beneficial and reciprocal cultural relations between countries. 3:40 - 4:10pm Session 2: History and contemporary development of cultural diplomacy between Australia and China: Professor Jocelyn Chey Cultural exchanges between Australia and China have greatly expanded in scope over the last 40 years. The main trends will be identified and some examples cited. The objectives of cultural diplomacy have also changed as the political and economic relationship has developed. Historical events have shaped public perceptions on both sides as well as public diplomacy agendas. People movements have increased and Australian society has been enriched by many migrants, students and business investors from China. Against this background, artists on both sides have found inspiration in contact with different cultures and have been inspired to new heights of creativity. 4:10 - 4:40pm Session 3: Reading Each Other: A case study of Australia-China literary exchange: Professor Nicholas Jose Many Australian books, including novels and other literary works, have been translated and published in China since diplomatic relations were established 45 years ago. There were many more before that, including publications in Chinese elsewhere. Chinese books are widely available in English in Australia, including some works by living Chinese writers that have been translated or published in Australia. This two-way exchange is enhanced by the participation of visiting writers in festivals and seminars, such as the Australian Writers’ Week in China now in its 20th year, the OzAsia Festival in Australia and the China Australia Literary Forum between the Chinese Writers’ Association and Western Sydney University. Much of this activity receives official support from government agencies in the two countries. It also involves working with translators, publishers, arts administrators and academics through less official channels. How does it all happen and why? How have policy and practice developed over the decades? What are the outcomes? How can literary exchange help us to read each other better? 4:40 - 6:00pm Food and drink in ACIAC