Toward a New Era of Interdisciplinary Research in the Arts

Abstract

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and the ongoing transformation of the global cultural landscape, visual and performing arts—as vital channels for emotional expression and intellectual engagement—are undergoing an unprecedented evolution. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and big data are profoundly reshaping how art is created, disseminated, and experienced. Meanwhile, the convergence and collision of diverse cultures continue to expand the theoretical boundaries and practical approaches of art research. Against this dynamic backdrop, we proudly inaugurate the Journal of Visual and Performing Arts Research (JVPAR), with a deep commitment to academic innovation and the future of the arts. Our goal is to build a high-level, interdisciplinary academic platform rooted in local contexts while embracing a global vision.

The founding of JVPAR is not merely the launch of a new academic journal; it is a declaration of research philosophy. We advocate for an open, cross-disciplinary, and dialogic academic approach—one that foregrounds the evolving trajectories of visual and performing arts in contemporary society, interrogates the transformations of artistic languages under technological mediation, and reexamines the reproduction and reinterpretation of traditional art forms in modern contexts. At the same time, we aim to promote the integration of education, cultural industries, and art theory, believing that truly profound and forward-looking research in the arts can only emerge from a broad, interdisciplinary horizon.

JVPAR is committed to fostering a dialogic space that brings together diverse disciplines and connects a wide range of practical and theoretical endeavors. We warmly welcome submissions from scholars, artists, and practitioners in visual arts, fine arts, music, dance, drama, film, and performance studies. We especially encourage original contributions that engage with the following topics, though the scope is not limited to them:

• Aesthetic and philosophical inquiries into music, visual art, and performance;
• Innovative methods and pedagogical practices in arts education;
• Contemporary expressions and media transformations in visual, musical, and performing arts;
• Theoretical developments and critical reflections at the forefront of visual and performing arts research;
• Transmission and modernization of traditional arts across national and cultural boundaries;
• The role of digital media, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies in art creation and dissemination;
• Artistic collaboration and knowledge reconstruction across media, platforms, and cultural contexts;
• Methodological innovation and theoretical integration in interdisciplinary arts research.

To ensure the highest standards of academic integrity and publication quality, JVPAR has assembled an editorial board of international vision, rigorous scholarship, and rich experience. We adhere strictly to internationally recognized academic publishing norms and employ a double-blind peer review process for all submissions, striving for fairness, timeliness, and transparency. Our editorial team serves as proactive mediators between authors and reviewers, facilitating effective communication and helping authors refine their manuscripts to achieve maximum clarity, coherence, and scholarly impact.

We are fully aware that launching a new journal comes with formidable challenges. However, we firmly believe that the vitality of a high-quality academic journal lies in its unwavering pursuit of scholarly excellence, the formation of a broad academic consensus, and its continual engagement with real-world practices. With unwavering resolve and a pragmatic approach, we are committed to enhancing JVPAR’s content quality, peer review rigor, and international influence—ultimately establishing the journal as a leading publication in the field of visual and performing arts research.

At this juncture, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to every reviewer, contributor, and reader. Your professionalism, thoughtful judgment, and sustained support form the cornerstone of JVPAR’s development. Your participation assures us that, even amid the ever-changing tides of our time, arts research can continue to maintain its intellectual sharpness and emotional resonance.

The publication of this inaugural issue marks the beginning of JVPAR’s scholarly journey. This issue features selected high-quality research from disciplines including music, dance, fine arts, and arts education, offering both theoretical depth and practical insights. We are confident that these contributions will inspire scholars in related fields and offer valuable reference points for educators, creators, and policymakers alike.

Looking ahead, we hope to collaborate with researchers, educators, and practitioners from around the world to advance interdisciplinary integration, foster global dialogue, and respond to contemporary societal needs through rigorous and innovative research in the arts. It is our aspiration that JVPAR will serve as a vital bridge—connecting scholarship and practice, tradition and modernity, East and West—and that it will bear witness to and propel the vibrant creative energy of the arts in this new era. Let this be our starting point as we move forward into a new era of interdisciplinary research in the arts.