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The Jewel of the Silk Road - Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition of the Dunhuang Art Cave

September 12, 2023

Bringing the history of Dunhuang into schools can add new vitality to Dunhuang's art and traditional culture on campus. At 12:30pm during lunch time on September 11th, the opening ceremony of the "Jewel of the Silk Road - Dunhuang Grottoes Art Exhibition" curated by high school students from SHSID was held in the Annex of the Xianmian Building.

Fan Xinqiang and Liu Maoxiang, Deputy Secretaries of the CPC of Shanghai High School, Ma Feng, High School Principal of SHSID, Zhang Li and Liu Min, High School Vice Principals of SHSID, and Chen Jin, a researcher from the Dunhuang Academy who was remotely connected, attended the opening ceremony. In attendane were some teachers, parent representatives, and exhibition student volunteers from SHSID as well.

One of the Exhibition volunteers, Gloria, an 11th-grade student, presided over the opening ceremony. She first introduced her students' preparation process for the Dunhuang Art Exhibition. With the strong support of the Dunhuang Research Institute and the guidance and assistance of teachers, student volunteers began preparing in June. After a busy summer, they completed the production of the QR codes for exhibition content, guidance and training, as well as the zoning of all exhibits about the UNESCO World Heritage site Mogao Caves located in Dunhuang, Gausu province. Finally, in September of this golden autumn, the Dunhuang exibit was "moved" into the school. This exhibition is divided into six exhibition areas, with exhibits including Dunhuang mural replicas, related books, ancient sculptures, early image materials, and audio-visual videos. We hope that every visitor to the Xianmian Annex can become witnesses, guardians, and inheritors of the Dunhuang culture of over 1600 years, and jointly appreciate the charm of the Dunhuang art exhibitions.

Mr. Huang from Shendun Culture connected Researcher Chen from Dunhuang Academy online and interacted to share with everyone the long history, extensive cultural exchange, and high artistic value recorded in Dunhuang Grottoes. Researcher Chen Jin shared her research projects online, including the current international cooperation projects of Dunhuang Academy, as well as the professional talents needed for future cultural relic protection and grotto protection. She encourages students to better understand and appreciate traditional Chinese culture through exhibitions and to find their own artistic entrances.

Angelina, the student volunteer, gave a speech on behalf of the exhibition guides. She expressed her honor to unravel thousands of years' worth of history in such a hands-on way. At the same time, she also shared that the exhibition had been completed by student volunteers from the initial setting-up to the videos that are still being produced. This team collaboration brings together students with shared passions to contribute to the cultural enrichment of SHSID’s school community.

In his speech, Principal Ma mentioned that all collaborations with the Dunhuang Academy have been implemented this year. He thanked the teachers and students for their hard work in preparing for this art exhibition and also marveled at the growth of student volunteers in this event. The outstanding artistic achievements of ancient China have attracted the attention and pursuit of the world. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of SHSID, it was also held in the historic protected building of the Xianmian Annex Building, immersing us in this meaningful event.

After the opening ceremony, all guests present freely visited the exhibition and listened to the explanations of the student volunteers. This exhibition will continue until September 30th, with student volunteer tour services available from 12:30 to 13:00 in the afternoon from Monday to Friday. We welcome teachers and students to come and observe the exhibition, experience the charm of Dunhuang Grottoes together, and taste the wisdom and artistic beauty of these world-renowned historical and cultural treasures.

Written by School Affairs Office

Photos by SHSID Media Group