To promote the high-quality development of the Open University of China (OUC), the OUC’s School of Art has launched the "Art Master Lectures".

The project is open to all of those passionate about painting and calligraphy and will promote a channel of communication between famous artists and the general public. It will boost the appreciation of aesthetics among the latter, serve the Seniors University of China and bridge a solid education in aesthetics with the characteristics of an open university.

Backed by the OUC leadership and under the guidance of Dean Xu Li of the School of Art, ten leading artists in the fields of painting and calligraphy, including Wu Yueshi and Zhu Pei’er, have been hired as lecturers for the programme. The design and production of the course has also begun.

On 10-11March 2023, Li Song, member of the CPC Party Committee and vice president of the OUC, arrived at one of the shoots for the "Art Master Lectures". On behalf of the OUC, he expressed respect and gratitude to Wu and Zhu. He also held broad-ranging discussions on key issues such as the role of an aesthetic education in China’s new era.

Wu and Zhu praised the project at the OUC as well as the Seniors University of China. Through the distinct philosophy of the school, they said the OUC has become well-equipped to promote the spread of traditional Chinese culture by enhancing the levels of aesthetic appreciation and artistic ability among the general public.

Li praised the two teachers for having strong morals and artistic qualities. He said their high artistic attainment, rigorous academic style and dedicated work spirit are an example for others in the School of Art to follow.

The School of Art of the OUC will continue to promote the development of the "Art Master Lectures" while exploring ways to integrate ideological, aesthetic and professional education. The goal is to improve the quality of aesthetic education by improving lifelong learning for all in China.

Wu, a disciple of the famous Chinese painters Wang Zhujiu and Dong Shouping, is a leading figure in contemporary Chinese painting and a representative in the field of contemporary freehand brushwork.

Zhu, editor-in-chief and president of Chinese Calligraphy, enjoys a special allowance from the State Council and is a national leader in journalism, publishing and other notable areas.

By Li Jianqiang and Wang Shaofan, OUC