Contemporary Chinese art gets donation in Australia

SYDNEY, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- When it comes to contemporary Chinese art, Sydney's White Rabbit Gallery is among the world's most prestigious in the world.

Its founder Judith Neilson is also a philanthropist and has donated six million Australian dollars (4.6 million U.S. dollars) to the University of New South Wales art program.

In order to recognize her contribution, the University has announced it will establish the Judith Neilson Chair in Contemporary Art, it has been announced Tuesday.

"It is imperative that UNSW and Australia contributes to research and dialogue in contemporary Chinese culture internationally. Judith's visionary and generous gift ensures UNSW Art & Design students, staff and wider communities can participate in these important conversations," said UNSW Dean of Art & Design Prof. Ross Harley.

"The emergence of contemporary Chinese art over recent decades has shifted visual culture internationally and will continue to shape and transform China as a global cultural, social and economic power."

The professional chair will allow researchers from the University of New South Wales art and design program privileged access to the gallery where they can develop new-found understandings of China's global contributions to art and culture.

"Chinese contemporary art reflects the history and transformation of China and is a mirror on the world beyond. It is alive with ideas and energy, vibrant, often humorous, imaginative, technically superb and utterly compelling," said Neilson.

"We must give the work, the artists, the distinctive and shared traditions the rigorous critical attention they deserve."