Newsletter No. 211

Information in this section can only  be accessed with CWEM password .   若要瀏覽本部分的資料， 請須輸入 中大校園電子郵件密碼 。 CUHK Newsletter No. 211 19th November 2002 3 NEW I C S DIRECTOR Exploring a Broader Interpretation of Chinese Culture P rof. Jenny So took over the reins of directorship of the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) from the previous ICS director. Dr. Chen Fong-ching i n August. Her appointment is concurrent with her chairmanship of the Department of Fine Arts. Prof. So says while she hopes to contribute as the new head and has plans in store for the centre, she also wishes to maintain a low profile where she sees fit. The ICS enjoys a secure position in the academic world in and out of Hong Kong,' she says. ' I t s units and their projects are very much on track. I wish to take a backseat in relation to the four existing centres and let them continue along their current paths. Similarly our five publications, four p r i nt and one web-based, enjoy international standing. They should not be tampered with, if possible.' The four centres are the Centre for Chinese Archaeology and Art, the Ng Tor-Tai Chinese Language Research Centre, the Research Centre for Contemporary Chinese Culture, and the Research Centre for Translation. Expansio n o fArchaeolog y Branc h The ICS has already submitted a proposal for expanding the Centre for Chinese Archaeology and Art, which currently consists of two offices, into a centre wi th its own exhibition and conservation space and more offices for scholars. This could entail adding a new wing to the complex and some rearranging of offices in the Art Museum and ICS. Prof. So says the proposal's realization and the extent to which it will be realized depends entirely on how much funding it can get. Some private funding has been secured for the project but Prof. So hopes the project can get amore concrete funding commitment in 2003. If it does, then construction can proceed right away and the new centre will be in place in two or three years. Mor e Exchange s wit hMainlan d an dOversea s The new Centre for Chinese Archaeology and Art will enable ICS to expand its exchange with mainland China. It w i l l provide space to stage exhibitions of its own excavations as well as those of its partner institutions on the mainland. More importantly. Prof. So points out, such a centre will raise interest in archaeology, archaeology and art, and archaeology and history among our students and researchers. Exchange w i th other institutions is an area Prof. So hopes to see strengthen in the ICS. Not only will exchanges wi th the mainland continue and increase, but exchange pa r t ne rs s hou ld also include more Western i n s t i t u t i on s. But l i ke e v e r y t h i ng else, the feasibility of this project will depend very much on f und i ng. 'We hope t o establish different visiting scholar programmes with universities in the US and UK These universities must have un i ts that specialize i n Chinese culture or are very strong in Chinese studies,' says Prof. So. The advantage of this exchange w i t h the West, she con t i nues, i n c l ude an enhanced international profile for CUHK and better English standards for its students. Mor e Discipline s t oBe Include d The ICS has a founding commitment to Chinese culture Prof. So reminds us. 'Currently, the ICS units deal mainly with art, language, and certain contemporary social-political- philosophical issues, but in fact, many other traditional disciplines, like music, religion, history, philosophy for example, should also come under the umbrella of Chinese culture. At the moment, these research areas are poorly represented at ICS. We should certainly consider expanding ICS's research activities into those areas,' she remarks. InNee d o fStructura l Renovatio n The ICS is known for its beautiful courtyard and fishpond. But underneath the tranquil exterior, facilities suffering from three decades of wear and tear are screaming for repair. The problem of water leakage is especially urgent to the extent that the occupants of specific offices within the ICS have to move their desks to avoid water damage to their equipment and research materials. The entrance of the ICS can also do with a face lift. 'See those "Do not feed fish" signs near the pond? They are reminiscent of mainland China of the 50s, not Hong Kong the "wo r ld city",' she observes. The ICS has already submitted a proposal to the Campus Development Office for renovation. 'The ICS is a showcase for the University's research. Given its prime location on campus, it can also be an extremely attractive showpiece. It certainly has the potential to be known for its unique research environment as well as the research that it produces. I think that goes in line wi th the University's aspiration to be a top research university,' says Prof. So. Hopin g fo r Greate r Suppor t fo rCultur e In these economic times, would a centre specializing in art and culture be at a disadvantage when soliciting funds for its projects? Prof. So does not believe so. The government and the public have increasing interest in art and culture. There is also a growing awareness of their importance,' she points out, quoting the government's huge HK$24 billion waterfront art, cultural and entertainment complex in West Kowloon as a case in point. 'Support from the top and from major organizations such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club is a sign to society that there is future in art and culture. The ICS does hope to expand its outside funding base, but sources beyond the university gates wi ll only be supportive if the University is supportive,' she observes. Piera Chen P e r s o n a l i a •人 事動態 • P e r s o n a l i a •人 事動態 • P e r s o n a l i a •人 事動態 • P e r s o n a l i a •人 事動態 • P e r s o n a l i a •人 事動態