The calligraphy and painting exhibition opens along with the photography exhibition at the Nantong Art Museum on Sept 30. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

The Nantong Art Museum kicked off a calligraphy and painting exhibition on Sept 30, along with a photography exhibition, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The calligraphy and painting exhibition featured 92 artworks, while the photography exhibition showcased 75 sets of photographs, collectively illustrating the historical transformations in the city's economic development, people's livelihoods, ecological environment, and social progress over the past 75 years.

These works are distinguished by their profound ideological depth and the lofty spirit of the times, fully capturing the era's essence, Chinese characteristics, and the distinctive qualities of the Jianghai region.

Guests of the opening ceremony appreciate the artworks on display at the exhibitions. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

This year also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Nantong being designated as one of the first coastal open cities nationwide. In September and October, the city initiated a series of cultural activities to cater to the cultural needs of its residents.

During her address, Chen Dongmei, head of the Publicity Department of the Nantong Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, encouraged literary and artistic workers to create more enlightening, soul-nurturing, and life-refining artistic masterpieces.

In their addresses, artist representatives Yang Yu and Peng Changqing reasserted their commitment to utilizing their creative talents – writing and photography – to illuminate the developmental trajectory, aspirations, and hopes of the era. Furthermore, they pledged to bear witness to the progression and prosperity of both Nantong and the nation.