Summer, London
Launch Event for the Chinese Labour Corps Memorial Sculpture
China West Midlands is honoured to invite you to join us for the launch event of the Chinese Labour Corps memorial sculpture for the National Memorial Arboretum. And our guest speaker Mark O’Neill having written about Chinese Labour Corps, will also be launching his new book The Island.
Time & Date : 5.30-7.30pm Wednesday, 3 July 2024
Venue: Innholders’ Hall, 30 College Street, London EC4R 2RH
Ticket: ￡65 per person
Dress Code: Business attire/ smart casual
Evening Highlights:
- Historical Conversations: Engage in enriching discussions about the forgotten history and significance of the Chinese Labour Corps.
- Artist Presentation: Gain insight from the artist behind this moving sculpture as they reveal the design and the inspiration behind it.
- Mark O’Neill launching his latest book “The Island” and signing copies
- Drinks Reception with Canapés: Enjoy a sophisticated drinks reception featuring a selection of fine canapés.
- Silent Auction: Participate in a silent auction to support ECBF.
More details of the event and registration for tickets please click here.
Previous Events
Launch Event for the Chinese Labour Corps Memorial Sculpture
On 3 July, China West Midlands together with England China Business Forum (ECBF) hosted a drinks and canapés reception at the prestigious Innholders Hall London attended by about 25 guests. The evening saw the launch of the Chinese Labour Corps Memorial initiative by China West Midlands Group with ECBF as the national sponsor for the CLC Corps Memorial project. And our guest speaker Mark O’Neill having written about Chinese Labour Corps, also launched his new book The Island.
Scottish Ceilidh Dancing at the Chinese Community Centre Birmingham
On the 2nd July some 25 Scottish Country Dancers went to the Chinese Community Centre in Digbeth to enjoy a Ceilidh. They were joined by over 20 people associated with the Chinese community.
We were entertained in the evening by the Shan Wang Chinese dance group who over the evening performed three traditional dances., The evening started with a full Chinese meal. A buffet where we helped ourselves. Most people managed to eat their food with chopsticks but a few did revert to the fork and spoon. I don’t know anyone who was hungry after that and it did slow us down for the dancing. We were ably mustered under the calling by Nicola Scott and the live music was provided by Brian McMinn and Mike Green.
A great evening was had by all. My thanks to all those that came along. We hope to see you on July 1st next year. Put it in your diary.
Year of the Dragon Chinese Cultural Workshop
We had a successful workshop on February 16, 2024, celebrating Chinese New Year at the Library of Birmingham, in collaboration with Kids Art. Over 300 participants enjoyed immersive experiences, including Chinese storytelling, traditional music and dance performances, Hanfu attire try-on, Chinese calligraphy, DIY workshops, and games with red envelope prizes. A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us in embracing the cultural richness and festive spirit of the Year of the Dragon.
2024 Chinese New Year Dinner
We had a fantastic event at CCC-Birmingham to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with ECBF & CWM. Guests enjoyed mesmerizing Wan Sheung dance performances, updates from ECBF, and the relaunch announcement from CWM. A delightful Chinese meal was shared as we commemorated the passing of Dr. Yeow Poon. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening of cultural celebration and professional networking.
Apples and People Exhibition
China West Midlands partnered with Apples And People
A series of exhibitions celebrate the apple through the lens of the ongoing Apples & People online program initiated in 2020. These showcases revisit the Apple World Map, crafted by Helen Cann, and the 46 narratives it inspired, along with the Journal Articles and Creative Commissions.
These exhibitions aim to intertwine visual art and culture, sound, community engagement, science, and the natural environment to delve into the captivating history of this emblematic fruit. Serving as a valuable resource for those intrigued by the past and future of the apple, as well as its culinary applications, the exhibits will provide suggested readings and links to additional information and networks.
As part of the Apples & People programme, ‘A Variety of Cultures’ exhibition is running at the Museum of Cider. A must-see for everyone interested in art, everyone who likes apples, and anyone looking for positive international connections in these troubled times.
The exhibition is now extended until 9th April 2024.
Museum of Cider
Pomona Place
Hereford
HR4 0EF
Chinese Classics: Art Practices & the Community
The project titled “Chinese Classics: Arts Practice & the Community” is a visual arts initiative centred on exploring the contemporary relevance of Chinese classical literature. It involves collaboration between regional and international artists, including Frances Yeung, Leah Lovett, and Joey Chin, who work with the Chinese community in Birmingham. The project focuses on three Chinese classical literary works: “The Butterfly Lovers” (Tang dynasty), “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio” (1740) by Pu Songling, and “Classic of Mountains and Seas” (3rd Century B.C. to the 1st Century A.D.).
The artworks, developed in collaboration with older women, men aged 40+, and carers from the Chinese Community Centre – Birmingham, aim to reinterpret and engage with these classical texts. Curated by Dr. Rachel Marsden, the exhibition not only showcases the original artworks but also highlights contributions from and documentation of the Chinese community’s involvement in the project. The initiative is a partnership between the Chinese Community Centre – Birmingham, Library of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, and is part of China West Midlands 2020 (CWM2020). It is supported by an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant and Penguin Random House.
CWM First Launch 2017
China West Midlands (CWM) held its inaugural event in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday, November 23, 2017.
The launch aimed to foster deeper understanding, collaboration, and mutual prosperity between the UK and China across various sectors. The event featured a performance by the Rosie Kay dance company, showcasing “Modern Warrior.” Attendees came from diverse backgrounds in business, culture, education, and higher educational institutions, both from the region and beyond. Notable personalities such as classical piano soloist Di Xiao, conductor and music educator Julian Lloyd Webber, and choreographer Rosie Kay delivered speeches, contributing to the open launch celebration.