As November drew to a close, the Yangpu Culture and Art Center was inaugurated, marking a revitalized return. Embracing the people's concept, it has become a nexus between the past and present, and a conduit for art to enrich daily life. Over the past month, countless memorable events, ranging from exhibitions and performances to intangible cultural heritage (ICH) preservation, training, and live streams, have graced the center, casting a warm glow over the winter landscape and fostering a sense of cultural connection among the public through the arts.

Join us in reflecting on this dynamic and warm cultural journey, relishing the touching moments we have shared!

The inaugural exhibition The New Narrative as Method at the Yangpu Culture and Art Center marked the start of our journey. Beyond a visual spectacle, it was a collision of ideas. Artists used "new narrative" as a means to delve into the era, blending culture and history through their distinct creative voices. Accompanying round-table discussions during the exhibition fostered engaging debates, narrowing the divide between art and the public and enriching the new facility with a deep cultural aura.

The allure of culture extends beyond the confines of the exhibition hall. The "Art for All" platform showcased the "People's Art Garden" 2024 Community and Art Troupe Joint Construction Achievement Exhibition and Performance, where a variety of splendid performances not only highlighted the flourishing of community arts but also empowered everyday citizens to take center stage. This cultural fervor resonated in songs during the "Singing Yang, Singing Young" 2024 Yangpu "Singing for the Motherland" Mass Chorus Competition Finals. Vocal teams from across the district captivated audiences with their moving melodies, singing of their devotion to the nation and the youthful energy of their land.

ICH serves as a historical imprint. In its first month after opening, the Yangpu Culture and Art Center has infused new vitality into ICH through a variety of events. The ICH craft experiences themed "Art for All" have been particularly popular among the public, who actively engage to appreciate the charm of traditional craftsmanship. The ICH Joyful Month events also enriched the winter season with distinct cultural flair. Notably, the "Journey through the Millennia to the Snowy Secret Realm—Dunhuang Perfume Culture" event introduced the perfume culture of Dunhuang through informative and interactive sessions. Participants gained insights into the history of perfumes and relished the romance and wisdom of the millennia-old culture through hands-on traditional crafting experiences. These events have not only animated ICH but also integrated it into everyday life, fostering an appreciation for the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture in modern life.

The Yangpu Culture and Art Center serves dual roles as a hub for artistic appreciation and a platform for community learning and development. Since the inauguration of the center, the "Cultural Legacy and Artistic Journey" 2024 Art Training, themed "Art for All", has garnered widespread interest from cultural enthusiasts. The curriculum, which includes dance, vocal music, and photography, aims to enhance technical proficiency and artistic thinking, thereby empowering community cultural leaders with new vigor. Concurrently, the autumn session of the Shanghai Citizen Art Evening School in Yangpu has concluded successfully. This initiative offers art education to the general public, with each course being highly popular and the learning environment brimming with a thirst for knowledge and the charm of art.

Training marks the beginning of cultural education, while the "Star Theater" serves as the pinnacle stage for showcasing cultural excellence. Under the banner "Art for All", a string of captivating performances has etched indelible cultural memories in the minds of the public. The original national opera March of the Volunteers revives the era's spirit through its musical narrative; the scenic concert Spring Breeze Revives the Southern Bank paints a melodious picture of Jiangnan's spring; and the original drama Warmth • Light communicates the profound sentiments of ordinary folks towards their city and workers' communities through the heartwarming stories of three generations. Each show has resonated deeply with audiences, with every act stirring the hearts of the viewers.

The cultural charm of the Yangpu Culture and Art Center transcends physical boundaries. In the newly established live streaming room, a novel form of cultural engagement has emerged. Classes on Shanghainese dialect and Pingtan art deliver the distinctive flavors of regional culture and the tender emotions of Pingtan performance art to viewers through digital screens. Notably, the "Orange Tint" Salon of the live stream room featured notable figures like "Prince of Yue Opera" Zhao Zhigang and Shanghai comedian Xue Wenbin, who, alongside host Ji Yibiao, shared stories from behind the scenes, as well as their artistic experiences and cultural reflections. These live events have broadened the center's reach, offering a "stay-at-home" cultural experience to an expanded audience.

In just a month, the Yangpu Culture and Art Center has created a unique cultural narrative through a variety of activities and formats. Encompassing art exhibitions, community performances, ICH preservation, and cultural training, this venue has seamlessly woven art into the urban fabric and infused culture into the everyday lives of residents. Moving forward, we will persist in leveraging culture as a bridge and using art to enrich the city, further enhancing the spiritual realm of our citizens.

We express our gratitude to all participants and eagerly anticipate our next encounter in the month to come!