Australian Embassy
China

Media release MOU


Memorandum of Understanding on Reciprocal Years of Culture (2010-2012) between Australia and the People’s Republic of China

The Australian Ambassador to China, Dr Geoff Raby and China’s Vice Minister for Culture, Mme Zhao Shaohua, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Reciprocal Years of Culture (2010-2012) between Australia and the People’s Republic of China. The Memorandum of Understanding represents the first step in an unprecedented level of cultural exchange between the two countries across a broad spectrum of the arts.

“This exchange marks a milestone in the history of Australia – China cultural relations and will lead to ongoing cultural collaboration for years to come”, Dr Raby said. “We are very focused on working jointly with the cultural communities in our two countries to generate long lasting linkages at all levels, including between governments, institutions and individuals.”

The concept for a year-long celebration of Australian culture in China was first announced in 2008 by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Stephen Smith MP, and Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, The Hon. Peter Garrett AM MP. The idea to exchange reciprocal cultural years was further endorsed through a Joint Statement announced by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang in November 2009, during the Vice Premier’s visit to Australia.

The Australian Government looks forward to presenting the Year of Australian Culture in China, titled Imagine Australia, from June 2010 to June 2011. Imagine Australia will be one of Australia’s largest-ever international cultural promotions, and the most significant ever to be staged in China. It will showcase collaborations between Australians and Chinese in art, music, dance, performance, literature, film, fashion, design and many other cultural mediums.

As a first step, on Monday 15 March a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between two prestigious national institutions - the National Museum of Australia and the National Art Museum of China - putting arrangements in place for reciprocal travelling exhibitions in China and Australia during 2010-12 and facilitating an ongoing partnership of cultural exchange into the future.

Imagine Australia will be launched in Beijing on 9 June 2010 by a senior Australian Government representative, commencing with two exciting major events:
- a colourful and inspiring exhibition of Indigenous artworks at the National Art Museum of China, showcasing two collections - the National Museum of Australia’s Papunya exhibition and the Balgo Hills exhibition presented by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Artbank; and

- a VIP gala concert at the National Centre for Performing Arts featuring well-known Australian performers.

For further information, please contact Zhang Hong, Public Affairs Manager, on Telephone: 010 5140 4246, or Email: [email protected].