An opera performance is offered at Tianshangcunqian Historical and Cultural Block in Wuxi. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
An event based on the theme of public co-creation kicked off on Aug 5 at Tianshangcunqian Historical and Cultural Block in Huishan district, Wuxi, unveiling a sweeping new cultural roadmap that puts grassroots creativity center stage.
The event showcased early results from Wuxi's public co-creation plan, a year-round program comprising 48 systematic initiatives. These include a seasonal concert series, a night school for adult learners, creative production grants, and open-call public talent showcases.
Three major co-creation platforms were launched separately for literary works, short videos, and original music — all open to local creators for an online exhibition and exchange with their peers.
Models display paper-cutting works at Tianshangcunqian Historical and Cultural Block in Wuxi. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Additional signature events announced for the coming season include a youth micro-performance series, a photography exhibition on Grand Canal culture, and the Jiangsu Fine Arts and Design Biennale.
Alongside the main program, a creative marketplace featured a vibrant display of intangible cultural heritage works such as peach-wood carvings by local orchard farmers, paper-cuts from factory workers, and palm-fiber weavings by school teachers.
Residents explore the market at Tianshangcunqian Historical and Cultural Block in Wuxi. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Tianshangcunqian, a block with a century-old legacy in public education and cultural outreach, has in recent years evolved into a living laboratory for Wuxi. Its streets now host a dense cluster of ICH workshops, education hubs that focus on traditional Chinese aesthetics, and public reading rooms.
With tonight's star-lit launch, Wuxi is positioning itself as a testing ground for community-driven cultural governance where the line between creator and consumer blurs, and where the city's rich artistic heritage finds fresh expression in everyday life.
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