Cultural diplomacy: Canada-China a case study: the exhibition of archaeological finds of The People's Republic of China held at the Royal Ontario Museum from 8 August - November 16, 1974

Abstract

From 8 August - 16 November 1974, the Royal Ontario Museum was the host to an Exhibition of Archaeological Finds from the People's Republic of China. The Exhibition represented a major event in the development of cultural diplomacy between Canada and the People's Republic of China. Nevertheless as in other areas of foreign relations, cultural relations are beset with strains and challenges. These problems were particularly illustrated by the negotiations and international arrangements for this exhibition's tour and the problems were exacerbated upon the exhibition's visit to Canada. Political controversy within China at the time of this exhibition's international tour resulted in changing ideological standards and prompted more stringent adherence to the Maoist version of Marxist-Leninist historical interpretation in the exhibition. These ideological standards were subjec to constant revision depending upon the political shifts within China during the Anti-Confucius Anti-Lin Piao campaign. For the exhibition, the effects of this campaign were illustrated by the withdrawal of a Confucian script from the exhibit and dramatic revisions to the souvenir catalogues, much to the frustration of the host exhibitors. Canadian - Chinese relations were particularly strained and tested since the Anti-Confucius Anti-Lin Piao campaign reached its climax as the exhibition was about to tour Canada. This thesis examines the impact of the campaign upon the arrangements and negotiations for the Exhibition and upon the text of the souvenir catalogue, and finally assess the compexities of cultural diplomacy as illustrated by this event in Canada-Chinese relations.