The third annual Chinese Culture Festival will bring Chinese art and music to campus this week.
The opening ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center from 2 to 4 p.m., will feature a musical performance based on “Di Zi Gui,” a book about Chinese philosopher Confucius, whose teachings emphasized the importance of being a good person, according to the festival’s website.
Prior to the opening ceremony, students, faculty and community members can view artwork from Chinese artists featured in the University Student Union ballrooms from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., said Jeet Joshee, associate vice president of international education and dean of the College of Continuing and Professional Education.
Joshee, who is hosting the opening ceremony, said he believes the art, which includes paintings, calligraphy and sculptures from both traditional and modern Chinese artists, will be a valuable educational experience for those who visit.
“Certainly, from a learning perspective, it’s a great value for students, faculty and community members that they get to see it,” he said.
Attendees can also discuss the artwork with some of the artists directly or through translation by staff and volunteers. Small plaques as well as booklets explaining each piece of work will be available for attendees, Joshee said.
Musicians who will take part in the opening ceremony, such as soprano Guo Xingguang and pianist YiFu Yan, will also perform near the USU ballrooms.
Last year’s festival, Joshee said, highlighted Chinese food and culture to help combat misconceptions about the country’s cuisine.
“People understand when they say Chinese food, it’s all one, but it’s really not,” Joshee said. “[The Chinese] have so many different types of foods depending on which part of China that you go to.”
Joshee said that although the event’s focus changes every year, the goal remains the same: to increase awareness of Chinese culture and inspire people to learn more about China, which he said now is a more important country than ever.
“China has made strides in both the global market, financially [and] culturally in education, so this awareness is very important for our students,” he said. “If we can make a little difference in that regard, we will feel we succeeded.”
The weeklong event, which will come to a close Friday, is open to all, Joshee said. Some sponsors include the Corona Conservatory of Music, the Sino-American Friendship Association, DUZHE Magazine and the USA International Exchange Association, according to the website.
