Touring Exhibitions from China to Australia since 1972

Abstract

The year 2022 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic ties between Australia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Over the past fifty years, numerous efforts have been made to facilitate cultural exchanges and foster mutual understanding between China and Australia. Australia-China engagement in culture brings significant dividends to both countries and adds value to the bilateral relationship. As touring exhibitions become regular fixtures in the Chinese-Australian cultural calendar, this research argues that touring exhibitions sent from China to Australia are intended to portray China as an open, civilised, innovative, and tolerant country. The thesis analyses touring exhibitions that have been sent from China to Australia since 1972. These exhibitions will be analysed in chronological order. By exploring the genealogy of touring exhibitions from 1972 onwards, this thesis will illustrate why such exhibitions have been selected and sent. It will explore the factors contributing to the aims and motivations of touring exhibitions from China. In particular, the thesis will examine whether such exhibitions have contributed to China’s cultural diplomacy and intended to shape the image of China as an open, civilised, innovative, and tolerant country.