Qian Wang

Research Project

How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced public participation and the creative economy within Chinese and UK heritage management: a comparative study of heritage institutions and arts festivals.

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly affected the daily operations and economic pressures faced by cultural institutions, resulting in income losses, systemic inequalities, and a reshaping of cultural practices. My research aims to investigate how the pandemic has impacted public participation and the creative economy within heritage institutions in both China and the UK. The relevant case studies will compare the British Museum with the Palace Museum (the Forbidden City), and the Wuzhen Festival with the Edinburgh International/Fringe Festivals. By comparing national heritage institutions and arts festivals in these countries, this study seeks to understand how these organisations engage in creative economic activities, provide therapeutic experiences, and navigate tensions between the commercialisation of heritage and fulfilling therapeutic roles. This research may assist cultural institutions in identifying vulnerabilities and inequalities in their heritage management processes and provide insights into how the pandemic has reshaped heritage management practices in China and the UK. By understanding these dynamics, we can better navigate the challenges and opportunities facing heritage institutions and festivals in a post-pandemic world.

Education and Placements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Art Theory
  Nanjing University of Arts (南京艺术学院), China (2013)
  Awarded the Liu Haisu Scholarship for my graduation thesis (刘海粟毕业论文奖学金).
• MA in Heritage Practice
  Newcastle University, UK (2014)

Placements:

• York Archaeological Trust (2015)
• Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, Stirling Castle (2016)

During my MA studies, I also volunteered with various organisations, including:

• Berwick Film and Media Arts Festival (2016)
• English Heritage (South Tyneside Grade II Listed Buildings Survey, 2015)
• Great North Run Culture (2015)
• Hexham Abbey (2015)
• Heritage Alliance Event at Newcastle University (2014)
• Into Newcastle University (2014)

Work Experience

After completing my Master’s degree, I focused my work experience primarily in the education sector in Shanghai, China. I worked as a school contact at BE Education from 2017 to 2018, followed by a position as a teacher at the Continuing Education School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from 2018 to 2021. My responsibilities included student management and teaching Modern Design History. In my teaching, I aimed to inspire my students to incorporate traditional cultural elements into modern design, as this approach effectively transmits traditions in contemporary life while influencing future lifestyles. I am particularly interested in heritage as a multidisciplinary field that focuses on public engagement and the creative economy.

Competitions:

University of York 3 Minute Thesis 2024 Finalist
https://features.york.ac.uk/three-minute-thesis-2024/

Hobbies

In addition to my academic pursuits, my hobbies include travelling to ancient heritage sites, playing the Guzheng (古筝, a traditional Chinese musical instrument) and Ocarina, dancing Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and Zouk, and watching theatrical performances.