People’s Forum Online Review｜Let the flowers of literature and art bloom for the people
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Symposium on Literature and Art, the latest issue of “Qiushi” magazine, published on October 16, has revisited a significant address by Xi Jinping—General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, President of the country, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. In his speech delivered on October 15, 2014, Xi emphasized the “people-centered approach to creativity” and articulated the dialectical relationship between “the people needing literature and art” and “literature and art needing the people.” This groundbreaking insight provides a critical framework for addressing major issues necessary for the vibrant development of socialist culture, guiding the evolution of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
The essence of literature and art lies in serving the people, with creations rooted in the populace. The guiding principle for the Chinese Communist Party in cultural development is to work for the people, from the people, and by the people. This philosophy is not only the foundation of socialist literature and art but also the driving force behind its flourishing growth. To genuinely reflect the voices of the people, artists must adhere to the essential direction of serving the people and socialism. In the new era, the ongoing struggle of the Chinese people for a better life provides an endless source of inspiration for artistic creation. From the magnificent journey of poverty alleviation to the vibrant practices of rural revitalization, from rapid technological innovation to solid advancements in ecological civilization, China’s artistic scene is blooming with a plethora of vibrant and fruitful endeavors. Quality productions such as the TV series “Blossoms,” the film “The 20th Clause,” the play “Feelings for Helan,” and the dance drama “Prairie Hero Sisters” have emerged, reflecting social transformations and the struggles of ordinary individuals, all while resonating with the audience.
“Literature is the vessel of truth.” The recent third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee advanced key tasks for deepening cultural system and mechanism reforms and set new expectations for high-quality development in the arts. In recent years, artistic expressions have diversified dramatically with advances in the Internet, big data, and artificial intelligence fostering innovation and broadening artistic horizons. However, there has also been a concerning rise in works driven solely by market forces, leading to the emergence of low-quality, vulgar, and pandering content. Artists in the new era must remain in tune with contemporary developments, uphold a people-centered ethos, engage with grassroots communities, and create artistic works that are relatable, lively, and uplifting. It is essential to align with the new expectations of the public continuously, explore diverse artistic avenues, and ensure that the fundamental direction remains in service of the people and socialism, allowing for a multitude of voices and opinions while drawing on public sentiment, social progress, and changes in the times. By doing so, artistic works can reflect the excellent traditions of Chinese culture and cater to the spiritual and cultural needs of the people, fostering a sense of unity and warmth.
Over the past decade, significant strides have been made. The literary and artistic landscape in contemporary China is vibrant and abundant, showcasing a confident spirit reflective of our times. Dance dramas like “The Waves That Never Die,” and popular TV shows such as “The Awakening Era” and “Ask the Vastness of Nature” have been widely acclaimed, painting a spiritual portrait of the new era. Films like “30,000 Miles in Chang’an,” the dance drama “Only This Green,” and the television program “Tang Palace Night Banquet” have attracted countless fans, as trends like “poetry fever,” “cultural heritage enthusiasm,” and “national style” have gained popularity, representing distinct Chinese characteristics. Internationally, productions like the dance drama “Yong Chun” have made their way beyond borders, and the Kunqu opera “Four Dreams of Linchuan” has toured Europe. Shows such as “Welcome to Mai Le Village” are gaining traction overseas, and cultural events like “Perceiving China” and “Happy Spring Festival” are illuminating the world with “Chinese red.” Today, Chinese culture is making substantial strides on the global stage, and the banner of “Art for the People” shines ever brighter, reflecting an open and inclusive spirit. As society evolves, the Party’s commitment to illuminating pathways and uniting strength through art remains unchanged, as does its mission to mirror the lives of everyday citizens, express their concerns, and continuously meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the people.
“In the gentle breeze, one can recognize the arrival of spring marked by countless blossoms.” Builders of the arts, along with countless artists, must rise to the call of the times and live up to the expectations of the people, creating more artistic masterpieces worthy of our great era, nation, and people. With this, the garden of socialist art will bloom even more vibrantly and bear richer fruits, contributing profoundly to the advancement of cultural development and the establishment of a robust socialist cultural landscape.
