Incorporating Ethnic and Folk Culture into Artistic Education a Case Study of the Embroidery of the Miao Ethnic Community

As a key component of Chinese cultural tradition, Ethnic and folk culture proves the hotbed that nourishes the national spirit. The embroidery of the Miao ethnic community (“Miao embroidery” for short) exemplifies the best of Chinese ethnic and folk culture. Integrating at once the historical, aesthetic, and moral values, the Miao embroidery provides a high-quality resource for artistic education in primary and middle schools. But under the assault of modernization, the exploration and development of cultural heritage has been faced with a series of challenges. This study is based on an onsite research of the practical conditions and education potential of the Miao embroidery. Using both the research data and the SWOT method, we analyze the advantages (S), disadvantages (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T) involved in incorporating the Miao embroidery into the artistic education in primary and middle schools. Based on a synthetic discussion and analysis of the research results, we propose policy recommendations on the macro decision-making, the vertical and horizontal trends of development, and the micro-coordination concerning the Miao embroidery education.