Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.3, 2025

The Cultural and Educational Conference and the Development of the Yan’an Mass Art Movement

(Abstract)

Hou Yezhi

In Talks at the Yan’an Forum on Literature and Art, the concept of a “universal enlightenment movement” encompasses two key aspects: the popularization of literature and art among intellectuals and the artistic advancement of the masses. These were implemented in stages, with the Cultural and Educational Conference serving as a turning point—before the conference, the focus was on introducing literature and art to intellectuals; after the conference, the emphasis shifted toward elevating mass art. The Cultural and Educational Conference effectively integrated intellectual and mass art through a unified cultural front. This process stimulated the spontaneity and agency of the people in artistic creation. Building on this foundation, the conference advanced the mass art movement in two key ways: First, it launched the Mass New Yangge Movement. Second, it initiated a movement to reform folk artists, shifting their roles from “old performers” to “people’s artists.” The Cultural and Educational Conference not only fueled the flourishing of the Yan’an mass art movement but also had a lasting impact on the development of mass art movements after 1949.