Dr. Jiyun Zhang

Jiyun (June) Zhang is an independent animation film practitioner and a scholar in the ARCHES research group at the Faculty of Design Sciences, University of Antwerp. She specializes in cultural heritage, media archaeology, and audiovisual storytelling. She holds a Doctorate in Cultural Heritage Studies from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and has an academic and artistic background in journalism and animation film, with degrees in audiovisual arts from KASK & Conservatorium: School of Arts Gent.

Her research explores the intersections of intangible cultural heritage, digital media, and sustainability, with a focus on the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Her key publications include:

• “Framing and Reframing the Participation of the Communities, Groups, and Individuals Concerned: A Media Archaeological Analysis of Nomination Videos of the 2003 Convention Submitted by China,” Heritage & Society, 2025
• “Digital Media and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage of Minority Groups in China: A Case Study of Animated Short Films Orochen Tale of Nisan Shaman and Orochen Creation Story,” 2024/2025, in T. Lähdesmäki et al. (eds.) Heritage Participation—challenges and Opportunities of Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage, Chapter 10. London: Routledge.
• Controversies and Heritage, Volkskunde 123 (3).

Her audiovisual work focuses on artistic research and interventions to safeguard cultural heritage:

• Orochen Creation Story
• “Orochen Tale of Nisan Shaman (2022):“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T28vWBkb9jw
• Gaxian Cave Heritage Site Inscription
• Origin Story of the Longobards
• The Song of the Maple Tree

Through an interdisciplinary approach, her work critically engages with UNESCO heritage frameworks, shamanistic expressions, and the evolving dynamics of global cultural narratives, examining the role of media technologies in heritage safeguarding and representation.