National Heritage in the Age of Globalization: State Initiatives of the People's Republic of China for Preserving the Artistic Traditions of Minorities

This article examines the state-led initiatives of the People's Republic of China (PRC) aimed at preserving the artistic traditions of its officially recognized ethnic minorities. In an era where globalization presents both threats and opportunities for unique cultural forms, the Chinese state has implemented a vast, systematic program of "heritage-making," most notably through its Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) lists. This study argues that these initiatives constitute a complex and often contradictory project. While they provide crucial economic support and institutional recognition that can forestall the disappearance of certain crafts and performance arts, they also function as powerful tools for national integration, economic development through tourism, and the construction of a state-sanctioned, curated version of multiculturalism. Through case studies of Tibetan thangka painting, Uyghur Muqam, and Miao embroidery, this article analyzes the dynamic interplay between preservation, commodification, and the political project of shaping a unified, multi-ethnic national identity. It concludes that state patronage acts as a double-edged sword, safeguarding traditions by transforming them from living, organic practices into standardized, often depoliticized, cultural assets compatible with both the global market and the national narrative.