NGO auctioning off model of countyard gate for preservation

Siheyuan front door/Photo by Peter Carney

By Liang Meilan

The Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP) is introducing a new twist to local fund-raising by auctioning off a clay model of a courtyard gate at its cocktail party tomorrow.

The event, to be held at Three Shadows Photography Art Center in Caochangdi, aims to raise funds for the center’s Cultural Action Network (CAN) volunteer program, which trains members how to assess at-risk cultural and historical sites across the country. 

“The [volunteer] network will raise awareness of the value of heritage sites, document the current state of cultural heritage protection across China and provide early warning of impending threats,” Zhang Pei, the center’s project officer, said.

“These reports will be the basis for CHP action when working with the Chinese media, government and citizens to improve heritage preservation in each community,” Zhang said.

The model gate to be auctioned off – considered a collector’s item – is the work of 20 local and foreign artists who each put his or her stamp on the piece.