The 1st CAA Synesthesia & Liberal Arts International Forum

BACKGROUND

Synesthesid, or in Chinese language Tonggan（通感),is cleeply rooted in Chinese tradi- tional artistic and literal culture. The word Synesthesia also finds its origin in Greek philosophy. As part of CAA's long-term endeavors to lead liberal arts education and art creativity in China, the Forum aims to reshape the artistic context of synesthesia by pursuing the essence of humanities and aesthetics. We invite world-class art historians, musicians, artists, composers, neurologists, and poets as our guest speakers to cultivate refreshing, interdisciplinary conversations regarding synesthesia as the core of artistic creativity and human perception. In addition, the Forum presents a series of collabora- tive performances and experimental sensory exhibitions throughout the whole event, featuring top artists and musicians. As part of the 95th anniversary of China Academy of Art and "21st- Century Renaissance'" project, the CAA Synesthesia &x Liberal Arts Interna- tional Forum is the first forum focusing on synesthesia in China, with a broader vision in its core.

Mission: The Forum aims to be the first multidisciplinary international academic forum in China that advocates humanism. lt advocates the core theme of empathy, bears the cultural heritage of the China Academy of Art, and gathers the world's leading scholars.

The Forum is a starting point of long-term endeavors in synesthesia research in Chind.

Vision: A top leader in art education and interdisciplinary research in China, China Acad- emy of Art aims to break down disciplinary barriers and liberate artistic creativity with the concept of intertextuality. The Forum will exert far-reaching influence on the future generations working on synesthesia-related fields, and will make long-term contribution to research and practice of synesthesia in Chind.

FORUM INTRODUCTION

The 1st CAA Synesthesia & Liberal Arts International Forum consists of four parts: "ain Forum: The Broadness and Elegance of Synesthesia', "Toward Infinity: The Audiovisual concert Dedicated to Zao Wou-ki","Online Forum: Synesthesia & Neuroscience', "Young Scholar Forum: Synesthesia Reactor" It will shed light on key issues including art and science, perception and imagination, liberal arts and humanity, the history of synes- thesia, the relationship between painting and music, etc.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FORUM

•The first comprehensive international synesthesia forum in China that advocates the artistic and humanistic aspects of synesthesia;

•Guest speakers from top institutions including China Academy of Art, Harvard University, Yale University, Bristol University, University of Vienna; cutting-edge research focusing on intersections of cognitive neuroscience and the arts and humanities;

•The special concert, "Toward Infinity: The Audiovisual Concert Dedicated to Zao Wou-ki", will show the interaction between music and painting in real time, and release the improvisational potential of synesthesia.

• The Young Scholar Forum will provicle a platform for aspiring scholars and young artists who are interested in exploring the concept of synesthesia to express their views and research.

ORGANIZATION

Organizer_ China Academy of Art

Undertaker _ Chind Academy of Art, school of Chinese Painting, International Cooper- ation and Exchange Department

Co-organizer: China Academy of Art School of Fashion Design

Guiding Office _General Office of Zhejiang Provincial Government

Chief Planner _Gao Shiming

Chief Advisor_Fan Jingzhong

Academic Advisor _Sheng Tianye

Special support_ wang sha

Curator _Shen Linfeng, Chuhan Zhang

Co-curators_Sun Yun, Luo xiaoran

Graphic Design_ wind and Sun (wang Diangang/Zhang Yiwen/Zhu Junfan)