Inner Mongolia

     The above image shows Michael Tick who is seated on the left and Yulin Li who is seated on the right signing an agreement in May 2012 at Inner Mongolia University.  Mr. Tick is the dean of the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts and Mr. Li is the president of the Art College of Inner Mongolia University.  The American Flag and is shown on a stand in front of Mr. Tick and a Chinese flag is shown on the right of the same stand in front of Mr. Li.  The flags symbolize the agreegment between two countries, the United States of America and China.  The agreement led to a cultural art festival which focused on the shared equine heritage of Kentucky and Inner Mongolia.  This cultural exchange is an example of soft politics.
     Approximately 50 instructors and students from the Art College of Inner Mongolia University visited the University of Kentucky from September 22-28, 2013.  This week long event was a multidisciplinary festival which consisted of displays of both Chinese and American arts.  There were art exhibits, as well as dance and music concerts.
     The Chinese government sponsored the Chinese students and faculty who visited the University of Kentucky.  They did so because this cultural exchange showed those who participated in the festivities and exhibits a shared heritage between Kentucky and Inner Mongolia.  This shared heritage allowed those, including myself, to feel a connection to those who live in Inner Mongolia.  It shed a positive light on China and it's people.