On the morning of November 3rd, an art exhibition, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 90th anniversary of the Red Army’s Long March, opened at SCMU’s Optics Valley Art Museum. The event was guided by the Hubei Provincial Calligraphers Association and the Hubei Provincial Artists Association, and co-hosted by the Hubei Yingtai Calligraphy and Painting Institute, SCMU Youth League Committee, and the Yan’an Calligraphers Association of Shaanxi Province. Over 300 participants, including Li Hongyan, Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice President of SCMU, as well as representatives from the Youth League Committee, the School of Fine Arts, and students and faculty representatives, attended the opening ceremony.

The ceremony began with a poetry recitation by the university’s student art troupe, igniting the atmosphere. The repeated calls of “Never Retreat” by the students reflected their deep understanding of the Long March spirit and their firm belief in communism.

Li Chengrong, Executive Director of the Hubei Yingtai Calligraphy and Painting Institute, emphasized the exhibition’s significance, hoping it would inspire patriotic feelings through the display of calligraphy and paintings. Li Hongyan highlighted SCMU’s enduring commitment to its red heritage and mission to consolidate a sense of community for the Chinese nation. She described the exhibition as a vital platform for passing on the university’s red legacy, promoting traditional Chinese culture, and reinforcing national unity. She encouraged students to internalize the spirit of the Long March, strengthen their confidence, and contribute to the new journey of national rejuvenation.

Opening ceremony. Photo by Liao Yucheng

Ai Sheng, Chairman of the Yan’an Calligraphers Association, viewed the exchange as a cultural bridge between regions, aspiring to create new works reflecting the spirit of strive and innovation of the Chinese people. Wang Yongping, Deputy Chairman of the Hubei Federation of Literary and Art Circles, noted that the exhibition embodies Xi Jinping’s cultural thought, showcasing the beauty of calligraphy and painting while promoting Chinese aesthetics. The exhibition was officially opened by Jiang Daguo, former Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People’s Congress.

Exhibits by SCMU students and faculty. Photo by Liao Yucheng

Hu Miao, a student from the School of Ethnology and Sociology, expressed her admiration for Liu Xiaogangs work, “Bountiful Harvest in the Morning Light”, which symbolizes the achievements of the past 75 years and hopes for the nation’s future. She encouraged young people to remember history and strive for their own harvest.

Visitors capturing art on phones. Photo by Liao Yucheng

Visitors posing with exhibits. Photo by Liao Yucheng

The exhibition features 130 works, encompassing calligraphy and painting, vividly depicting the grandeur of the Long March and celebrating its enduring spirit. It aims to inspire future generations and express deep affection for the Party, the nation, and socialism, with a strong contemporary resonance and high artistic value. The exhibition runs until November 5th, after which all works will continue to be displayed in Yan’an.