Iran proposes art exhibition in Belt and Road countries to foster cultural exchange
In a bid to strengthen cultural ties and promote artistic exchange between nations, the President of the Iranian Academy of Arts, Majid Shah-Hosseini, proposed the establishment of a biennial art exhibition in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) route.
Addressing the 2nd Liangzhu Forum, Shah-Hosseini emphasized the significance of culture and art in promoting understanding and cooperation among nations. “Without culture and art, no development or progress can be achieved in today’s world,” he said. Shah-Hosseini highlighted the long history of cultural and artistic exchange between Iran and China, dating back over 2,000 years, ISNA reported.
He stressed the importance of preserving cultural identity and promoting mutual understanding through art, IRNA reported.
The Iranian official criticized the Western approach to art, which he said is narrow-minded and dismissive of non-Western cultures. “In the West, art is seen as a means to impose their values and ideals, while neglecting the rich cultural heritage of other civilizations,” he said.
Shah-Hosseini praised Iran’s approach to art, which he said is rooted in the country’s rich cultural and Islamic heritage. “In Iran, art is valued as a means to promote human values and ideals, and not just as a form of entertainment,” he said.
The head of Academy of Arts also emphasized the need to use art to promote social justice and solidarity with oppressed nations. “We must use art to amplify the voices of the marginalized and oppressed, particularly in Palestine and Gaza,” he said.
The forum held in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province from November 25 to 27, brought together representatives from 63 countries to discuss cultural exchange and cooperation.