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Program

Public Programs: America's Historical and Cultural Organizations: Planning Grants

Period of Performance

10/1/2012 - 9/30/2014

Funding Totals

$60,000.00 (approved)
$60,000.00 (awarded)

Jade: China's Immortal Stone

FAIN: GE-50679-12

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City, MO 64111-1818)
Colin Mackenzie (Project Director: January 2012 to February 2015)

Planning for a traveling exhibition tracing the evolution of the meaning of jade in China from prehistoric times to the present.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art seeks support for the international exhibition "Jade: China's Immortal Stone" which will trace the history of the Chinese people's enduring fascination with jade. Incorporating more than 200 objects examined through the disciplines of political history, religion, literature, technology, geology, and art history, the exhibition explores the many layers of meaning accumulated by jade through six millennia, from the Neolithic period to the present day. During the planning period we will carry out broad audience research through focus groups to determine visitor knowledge and interest and how best to connect with visitors through interpretation and programming. "Jade: China's Immortal Stone" will open at the Nelson-Atkins in 2016 and travel to two American venues as well as museums in Hong Kong and China.





Associated Products

GE-50679-12 Front End Evaluation Report for Chinese Jade Exhibition (Report)
Title: GE-50679-12 Front End Evaluation Report for Chinese Jade Exhibition
Author: Marcella Hughes
Abstract: A primary purpose of the NEH planning grant was to evaluate the potential appeal of an exhibition exploring Chinese jade. We therefore engaged consultant Marcella Wells to organize focus groups in three cities, Kansas City, Salem, Mass, and San Francisco. This is the full report of her findings.
Date: 9/30/2013