Cultural Revolution Evidences on 798 Art District, Beijing

Abstract

This article aims to study the historical evidence of the Cultural Revolution period and its influence on the use and management of the buildings in the 798 Art District. The methods of this qualitative research include data collection from field surveys, observations, and structured interviews as the main sources of data. Together with data from surveys and related documents, they are analyzed and classified based on the concepts specified in the research framework and objectives. Results show that remnants of the Cultural Revolution remain in the factory buildings, which are being conserved to retain the original atmosphere that has become a unique part of the 798 Art District’s identity. In the planning process, the management of the 798 Art District has developed a creative area and Art Learning Resources master plan, supported by the Chinese Government, to align with the urban design plan by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning. The Contemporary Art Learning Resources master plan under the government’s cultural industry policies has greatly supported the 798 Art District project, as defined in the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2011-2015). Additionally, the district has developed and connected with the creation of contemporary art roles, establishing an international network through the emergence of contemporary art spaces and centers within this art space.