DUNHUANG MOGAO CAVES IMPACT ON ADOLESCENT CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION WITH NEW MEDIA – A CASE STUDY ON THE DEER AND THE SNITCH

Abstract. As a key role in reflecting local diversity and identity, cultural heritage is of significant value to the living and well-being of a region and its people. Additionally, cultural heritage education serves to further enrich the values, core literacy, and cultural identity of future decision-makers. Even though countries are paying increased attention to these various aspects of education and research on cultural heritage obstacles to engagement exist. The obstacles addressed here include passive or minimal participation, and the lack of research surrounding methods for engaging adolescents with cultural heritage. However, the Dunhuang Academy's animated short, The Deer and the Snitch, featured on WeChat’s mini-programs, presents an example of novel methods used to educate and engage the adolescent demographic with cultural heritage through new media technology. Set in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, the world’s oldest, richest, and most exquisite site for Buddhist art, this animated drama breathes life into the Dunhuang frescoes through its professional use of new media technology and strengthens their philosophical themes of truth, kindness, and beauty. With increased accessibility due to the mobile nature of WeChat mini programs, combined with an integrated mechanism for viewer participation, this animated drama constructs a bridge between individuals and cultural heritage. The planning and production ideas behind The Deer and the Snitch provide an innovative perspective for the use of new media technology in cultural heritage education.