Evolution of Calligraphy Education in Few Words: 1. Calligraphy’s education: from past to present. 2. Calligraphy education: traditional to modern techniques. 3. Journey of calligraphy education through time. 4. Calligraphy’s road to educational advancement. 5. Calligraphy education: traditions and transformations. 6. From basics to mastery: calligraphy education. 7. Advancement in calligraphy education over time. 8. Calligraphy education: past, present, and future.

Casper Wong July 14, 2023 Education & Career

China Academy of Art Celebrates 60 Years of Calligraphy Education

In 1963, Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now China Academy of Art) introduced calligraphy education, pioneering China’s first calligraphy and seal cutting program. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the calligraphy program at China Academy of Art, as well as the 60th anniversary of higher education in Chinese calligraphy.

The Exhibition: “The Road of Calligraphy Education”

The exhibition, titled “The Road of Calligraphy Education – Exhibition of Achievements in Sixty Years of Calligraphy Education in Chinese Universities,” showcases calligraphy education from over a hundred universities in China. It consists of three sections: “Blazing a New Trail,” “Carrying Forward Predecessor’s Achievements,” and “The 60th Anniversary of the Calligraphy Program of China Academy of Art.” The exhibition features more than 360 works by pioneering masters, contemporary masters, and alumni. Through documents, chronologies, and pictures, it comprehensively presents the history and achievements of modern Chinese calligraphy education.

A Journey Through 60 Years of Calligraphy Education

This exhibition traces the development of Chinese calligraphy education over the past 60 years. It reviews the history and current state of key calligraphy disciplines and programs established at different times and universities. The aim is to reflect on the past, summarize achievements, and explore future development models and pathways for calligraphy education. The exhibition also features a special section dedicated to alumni and their works.

The Growth of Calligraphy Education at China Academy of Art

In 1963, China’s first professional calligraphy program was initiated at Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now China Academy of Art) by renowned artists such as Pan Tianshou, Lu Weizhao, and Sha Menghai. Since then, calligraphy education at China Academy of Art has experienced significant milestones. In 1979, the first calligraphy graduate program in China was launched, followed by the approval for resuming undergraduate calligraphy education in 1985. The academy became the pioneer for calligraphy programs in other universities across China. The establishment of the Calligraphy Department in 2001 further solidified China Academy of Art’s role as a leading institution in calligraphy education.

The Significance of Calligraphy Education in China

Over the past 60 years, calligraphy education has become widespread across China’s universities, from junior colleges to doctoral programs. Nearly 300 universities now offer calligraphy programs, fostering the development of the discipline in both theory and practice. The establishment of associations, organizations, and academic institutions has also contributed to the revitalization of traditional art and the proliferation of calligraphy professionals. The exhibition calls for the preservation of calligraphy art, making it a form of education that combines art and philosophy, theory and technique, and moral cultivation.