Seminar Review | Innovation and Digital Communication of Intangible Cultural Heritage

On December 17, 2023, the School of Innovation and Creative Design at Southern University of Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as the "School of Design") successfully hosted the seminar "Innovation and Digital Communication of Intangible Cultural Heritage" at the 11th floor of Building C1, Nanshan Zhiyuan. Assistant Professor Zhang Wanlin invited eight experts and scholars from the fields of intangible cultural heritage, culture, design, exhibition, and technology to discuss the sustainable perspectives of digital communication and design for intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The seminar also explored two key areas: digital technology and cultural innovation as well as intellectual property rights and ICH protection.

The seminar consisted of two sessions of guest presentations. In the first session, the speakers were Liu Zhaohui, Project Director and VR/AR Team Leader at Silkroad Vision (Shenzhen); Liang An, researcher in wearable textile interaction design; Leung Suk-yin from CR MixC World Shenzhen Bay Cultural Center; and Li Huiqing from Wuhan Dashi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Branch. The four speakers introduced how virtual reality, wearable technology, digital media, photogrammetry, and 3D scanning can be applied to cultural heritage transmission, communication, and preservation, while also sharing technical details and practical applications through case studies.

Figure 1. Keynote presentations by the four speakers in the first session

In the following roundtable discussion, moderated by Professor Sun Xiaohua, the guests engaged in a lively conversation with students around the theme of “Digital Technology and Cultural Innovation.” Topics included the challenges of 3D scanning, opportunities brought by digital tools for cultural innovation, and new approaches to ICH protection. The exchange provided many inspiring and innovative perspectives.

Figure 2. Roundtable discussion with the four speakers: from left (1) Sun Xiaohua, (2) Liu Zhaohui, center Liang An, right (1) Leung Suk-yin, (2) Li Huiqing

After a short break, the second half began with Dr. Luo Dan, Honorary Research Fellow at the China Culture Research Center, who reflected on ICH inheritance and protection through the case study of the Anguo Medicine King Temple Fair fieldwork. Next, Professor Lin Qing of Xiamen Academy of Arts and Design addressed the theme of “Cultural IP,” emphasizing the importance of intellectual property rights. She highlighted issues encountered in practice and discussed IP authorization and protection. Following that, Associate Professor Xu Tianji from Shenzhen University’s Institute of Cultural Industries shared his insights into the intrinsic values of intangible cultural heritage and its preservation. Finally, Mr. Zhang Juntao, a national ICH inheritor, presented his family craft tradition “Bianjing Lantern Zhang”, and introduced his ongoing work in building a traditional pattern database to aid preservation.

Figure 3. Keynote presentations by the four speakers in the second session

After the second round of guest presentations, Professor Zhang Wanlin, as the moderator, engaged the four speakers in a discussion on “Intellectual Property Rights and the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The panelists shared their perspectives on the extent to which digital technologies should be integrated into intangible cultural heritage, and offered their interpretations of the seminar’s theme, “Upholding Tradition with Innovation.” Following the discussion, the audience actively exchanged ideas with the guests, bringing the event to a close in a warm and lively atmosphere.

Figure 4. Roundtable discussion with the four speakers: from left (1) Zhang Wanlin, (2) Luo Dan, center Lin Qing, right (1) Xu Tianji, (2) Zhang Juntao

Figure 5. Group photo at the end of the seminar

Figure 6. Event poster