Guiding Concept for the Year of the Horse 2026

• The Cultural Symbolism of the “Horse”

In both Chinese and Western cultures, the horse is a powerful symbol of movement, freedom, connection, and spiritual transcendence. Historically, the horse was also a carrier of exchange—along trade routes, diplomatic missions, and artistic transmission—making it an apt metaphor for a century-long journey of Austria–China cultural encounter.

In 2026, the Chinese Year of the Horse coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Austria and is framed within the broader reflection on 100 years of cultural interaction. The festival therefore adopts the horse as a symbol of continuity, mutual striving, and forward movement across time, space, and cultures.

• Historical Anchor: Xu Beihong and Sino-European Exchange

A dedicated focus on Xu Beihong serves as a historical anchor within the festival. As a pioneering figure who integrated European realism with Chinese artistic philosophy, Xu Beihong embodies early 20th-century Sino-European artistic dialogue and represents a foundational moment in Austria–China cultural rapprochement.