Yingying Ren

My research explores the evolution of craft traditions within contemporary society, focusing on how specific practices in Southwest China are transitioning into what I term "living traditions." Central to this inquiry is understanding the mechanisms through which these crafts present and flourish, becoming integral to the community and cultural identity. By conducting fieldwork and engaging with traditional craft communities, I explore the roles played by government support, educational initiatives, and communal activities in fostering these traditions.

The primary question explores the dynamic between traditional practices and their modern relevance. It sets the stage to address more specific aspects, such as preserving these crafts as living traditions and their contributions to contemporary society. This involves analysing how these traditions are transmitted within communities and their acceptance and integration into broader cultural and economic frameworks. This is complemented by insights from the Dundee Tapestry Project and interviews with craftspeople, highlighting diverse transmission methods, including formal and informal community networks.

This research reveals the evolution of traditional crafts and emphasizes their potential as resources for sustainable development and cultural innovation. By framing crafts as active cultural practices with future-oriented capabilities, this study contributes to the discourse on intangible cultural heritage and supports the vital role of communities in sustaining cultural identity in a changing world.

Names of Supervisors: 

• Emilia Ferraro
• Arthur Watson
• Frances Stevenson