University museums inspire a new generation

Innovative engagement

At Tsinghua University, a similar spirit thrives at the Tsinghua University Art Museum (TAM), where the focus is on art, innovation, and the intersection of disciplines.

For Zha Jingyi, 29, a student at the Academy of Arts & Design and an intern at TAM, the museum embodies the creativity and energy of Tsinghua students.

One of the most representative exhibitions, she said, is the annual display of final graduation projects — featuring everything from packaging and product design to mobile phones and headphones.

"It reflects our academy's tradition of focusing on practical applications in art and design," Zha explained. "Collectors and enterprises even visit the museum to explore collaboration or recruitment opportunities."

Zha also recalled a vibrant art event organized by TAM to celebrate Tsinghua's anniversary, blending student-led performances of music, dance, and costume design.

"At first, I was just a spectator. But as the music shifted and the dancing became more passionate, I couldn't help but join in," she said. "Even though I'm not a professional dancer, I had a great time dancing along with the rhythms."

According to Lu Xiaobo, director of TAM, the museum plans to build a high-level collection system, advance academic research, and harness technologies like VR, AR, and AI to develop digital museums and virtual exhibitions — opening up new possibilities for artistic engagement.

"As one of China's leading comprehensive universities, Tsinghua aims to leverage its strengths in art and interdisciplinary studies to promote public art education and social engagement, shaping taste and leading cultural trends," he said.

He believes that although art is often seen as "useless", it plays an essential role in shaping values, exploring human emotions, and preserving cultural memory.

"While science uncovers the secrets of the natural world, art explores the depths of human feeling. Together, they are fundamental to human understanding and experience," Lu Xiaobo said.

guojiatong@i21st.cn