This FREE course is open to UoE staff only. Please reserve your place HERE  by using your UoE email address and staff number

Abden House was built in 1855 for Thomas Nelson, founder of the Scottish publishers of the same name, and designed by civil engineer Thomas Davies. Today it’s the property of the University of Edinburgh, gift by Sir Donald Pollock.

Built with three storeys in the Jacobean revivalist style of the 19th century, Abden faces a carriage circle with gates at the end of Marchhall Crescent. It has an irregular plan with single story wings on the North and South sides.

The Confucius Institute for Scotland team is delighted to participate in the Doors Open Day 2024 programme. This Sunday, 29 September, from 10 am to 3 pm, the team will be ready to welcome you to Abden House, where you can participate in various workshops, from language taster sessions, calligraphy, and Chinese craft to Chinese dance and Taichi. The Doors Open Day is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Abden House, learn some basic Chinese language, and enjoy several cultural activities. You can also simply meet up with friends old and new over a cup of tea and some Chinese snacks.

We are delighted to collaborate with MINT Chinese Film Festival to present a special film screening, Yangzi’s Confusion 洋子的困惑, as a celebration of the mid-autumn festival.

Synopsis

Yangzi, a 10-year-old girl, steals her mum’s diary to discover why her mum abandoned her. But her mum does not want to communicate with her. On her grandma’s 60th birthday, they have to face each other. The film is in Mandarin with English subtitles. 

Date: Thursday, 19th September

Time: 17.30-18.30

Doors open at 5pm

Complimentary refreshments and seasonal Chinese mid-autumn festival mooncakes will be available.

Dr Yuqing Liu from the University of Edinburgh’s Chinese Studies department within the School of Literatures Languages and Cultures will introduce the film beforehand.

All are welcome; spaces are limited; please book via Eventbrite HERE

About this course

这是一场巨大的风暴。有限的食物、水和能源在不断增长的人口间不均匀的分布着，与之相关的气候变暖使得事情更为糟糕。在所有这些全球性挑战中，氮素起着主导作用。在这里，您将了解到氮素是如何与人类文明息息相关的，而未来氮素是将成为人类的救世主还是恶魔。

氮气的故事既平凡又奇特，即充满激情又饱含忧郁。它既是气候的朋友，也是污染的敌人，是享受饕餮盛宴还是忍受食不果腹也与氮素相关。如果你对氮素的看法还是停留在它只是元素周期表上一个无聊的元素，那么是时候了好好了解以下氮素了。

无论您来自何种知识背景，这一创新性的课程都将教给您关于氮素和全球变化的核心概念，使您能够更好地理解它所代表的挑战和机遇。课程关键主题包括粮食安全、气候变化、空气污染、水体污染和人类健康等。

我们将通过爱丁堡大学屡次获奖的教师团队的教学方法来带你学习本课程。这门课程采用了一种引人入胜且十分专业的方法来展示如何应对全球范围内的氮挑战，以及如何更好地全面系统地应对氮素对人类文明所构成的威胁。

这是世界一流的课程，由拥有数十年从事氮素和全球变化研究的教授授课，是英国和印度专家之间合作的成果，这也是 Newton-Bhabha Virtual Centre on Nitrogen Efficiency 的一部分。

本课程的讨论论坛将借助翻译工具以英语进行监测

The course is free, please register HERE

Join us for an exclusive pre-launch event hosted by Jenny Niven in discussion with the author Dong Xi as they discuss his upcoming novel Fate Rewritten. We are delighted to host the event in collaboration with Sinoist Books, a UK-based independent press that publishes only the best in translated Chinese literature and contemporary fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For generations, Wang Changchi’s family have dreamed of escaping their poverty-stricken village. When a twist of fate takes his chance away, he joins the hordes of migrant workers risking their lives for a shot at city life. Still hoping for a reversal of fortune, will he risk it all for one more chance to bring success to his family line?

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dong Xi is the pen name of Tian Dailin. Born in Guangxi Province, Chinese critics include him among the “New Generation” of writers. Notable works include the novels Record of Regret and Fate Rewritten, as well as the novella Life without Language, which won the Lu Xun Literary Award. He is Writer in Residence at the Guangxi University for Nationalities.

Jenny Niven joined the Book Festival in September 2023. Prior to this, she was founder and Director of the award-winning Push The Boat Out, a festival of poetry, spoken word and language; Executive Producer of Dandelion, an epic programme of sowing, growing and sharing across Scotland, and chair of Literature Alliance Scotland, the national membership organisation for books and publishing. She was named in The List’s ‘Hot 100’ people influencing Scotland’s art’s and cultural landscape in 2022. In previous roles, she has led the literature and publishing team as Head of Literature at Creative Scotland, executive produced the Edinburgh International Culture Summit, led on the creation of the Muriel Spark 100 centenary celebrations, was Head of Programme/Associate Director at the Wheeler Centre for Books Writing & Ideas, Melbourne, and co-founded Beijing’s first book festival.

Event details:

Date: Wed 31st Jul 2024

Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Location: Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP

Language: Chinese with English Consecutive interpretation

The event is free, but booking is required. Please book HERE.

Calling all students at the University of Edinburgh: Join us on Wednesday, 26th June, from 2-4.30 pm, to switch off and enjoy a mindful workshop in Taichi. This will be followed by a session in calligraphy, with optional kite decorating/flying.

We are delighted to collaborate with the University Wellbeing service to deliver this wellbeing session for students at the University of Edinburgh.

Spaces are limited; book your spot HERE.

On Monday, 10th June, from 12.00-2 pm, the Confucius Institute for Scotland team will be ready to welcome you to Abden House, where in a short visit, you will be able to participate in a Tai Chi session in the Abden House garden (weather permitting) and then followed by a talk on Chinese poets and Xie Lingyun comparing their work with Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

Traditional sticky dumplings 粽子 (zongzi) will be served

Event details: 

Date & Time: Monday, 10th June,

Location: Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP. 

Free entry, all welcome!

Please reserve your place HERE

We are delighted to share that our 10-week Chinese language taster session for UoE staff starts on 29th May.

This FREE lunchtime taster course will run once a week, an hour each session for ten weeks.

This course is an introductory session for learners without prior knowledge of the Chinese language. It is designed for those who want a short, focused introduction to Chinese language learning. It takes learners through basic expressions needed in typical conversational situations. Pronunciation and communicative practice will be the focus of this course. By the end of the course, students will have started to tune in to the sounds and tones of the Chinese language and learn some basic phrases used for social interaction.

Key Information:

Date & Time:

Block 1: Wednesdays from 29^th May – 26^th June, 12.15 – 13.15

Block 2: Wednesdays from 3^rd July – 31^st July, 12.15-13.15

Location: 50 George Square

A maximum capacity of 10 spaces has been set per group to optimise the learning experience – so space is very limited! Please reserve your space via People and Money HERE.

Please get in touch with xin.zhang@ed.ac.uk if you require any further information.

We are delighted to support Candice Lin’s first solo exhibition in Scotland.  She brings together new and existing work to play with the University of Edinburgh’s former Natural History Museum as a site of corrupted encounters, transgressions and transformations. Queering human and animal relationships, Lin uses a vocabulary of crude, ambiguous and dreamlike imagery to expose the conceits surrounding the scientific categorisation and control of bodies, and its links to the construction of race, gender, animality and humanness.

The Animal Husband proffers perspectives that exist outside the realm of essentialising discussions about what human and non-human animals are. It offers an imaginative treatment of a range of troubling, dark and critical subjects that arise when different species of being are produced and perceived.

Key Information

Location: Talbot Rice Gallery

Duration: 16 March – 1 June 2024

Visit the Talbot Rice Gallery website to find out more about the exhibition and the artist.

All photos by Sally Jubb, courtesy of Talbot Rice Gallery.

Adult content: Parts of this exhibition includes animated depictions and discussions of sexual interaction between humans and animals, and descriptions of sexual and racist violence. Not suitable for children.

Flashing images: The central video includes flashing images and a rotating screen.

Key Information:

Course: Outdoor Painting – Scottish Landscape

Date & Time: 10am – 3.30pm / Saturday 29 June 2024

Student level: This course is suitable for both beginners and advanced students. It
could be a follow- up course for students who attended Chinese landscape painting
class before. All practice materials will be refreshed from the previous class.

Class size: A minimum of five students are required to ensure the class goes ahead.

Location: This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, 1 Marchhall Crescent Edinburgh EH16 5HP.

Why should I take this course?
Landscape, Shan Shui, literally translated as ‘mountain and water’, is one of the most
popular subjects in Chinese brush painting. Chinese painting techniques are not
bound by Geographical limit; it can also interpret the Scottish landscape. This class
offers an opportunity to learn about and appreciate different cultural traditions
Taking inspiration from the wonderful view from Abden House, the main building of
Confucius Institute, this workshop will mix classroom-based exercises and outdoor
sketching and painting, weather permitted. Live demonstration will be provided during the class. The tutor will also provide
reassurance that the students can get the techniques into their own artwork
effectively. Participants are welcome to bring your own photo reference to paint on
the day.

What does it cover?
This course will mix with demonstration and critiques.
Not only is Chinese brush painting a beautiful art form, but it can also be a
meditative and relaxing practice that helps to reduce stress and increase focus. Join
our class and experience the joy and tranquillity that comes with creating your own
works of art.

About the teacher:
This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor, featured in BBC
documentary ‘The art of Chinese brush painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape
Artist of the year 2015’, whose work has been projected across Edinburgh castle
during the 2015 Military Tattoo. For more information and to see Chi’s work please
visit http://www.chizhangartist.com.

How much does it cost?
£40

Booking & Further information:
To optimise the learning experience a maximum capacity has been set per group –
so space is very limited! To secure one of the limited spaces on this course, please
use the University’s ePay system. One to one tutorials and small group workshops
can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.

Key Information:

Date & Time: Thursdays 6, 13, 20 June 2024 / 10.00am – 12.30pm

Student level:
This course is suitable for both beginners and advanced students. It could be a
following up course for students who attended the Chinese birds & flowers painting
class before. All practice materials will be refreshed from the previous class.

Location:
This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, 1 Marchhall
Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP.

Why should I take this course?
Birds and flower paintings were often used as decorative elements in pottery and appeared on screens and utensils. From the Tang dynasty around the 8th and 9th centuries in China until today, Birds and flower paintings are a special school of Chinese brush paintings and it is widely popular for centuries. This 3-week course will introduce the common techniques related to Chinese soft brushes and ink. Participants will have the option to select from a range of subjects demonstrated by the tutor, such as oriole, magpie, Chinese orchid etc.

What does it cover?
By controlling the special soft brush with a sharp point, Chinese brush painting is not
only a mental exercise, also a physical exercise that coordinates the mind and the
body. Join this course to learn brush handling techniques and paint tigers.

About the teacher:
This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor, featured in BBC
documentary ‘The art of Chinese brush painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape
Artist of the year 2015’, whose work has been projected across Edinburgh castle
during the 2015 Military Tattoo. For more information and to see Chi’s work please
visit http://www.chizhangartist.com.

How much does it cost?
£60

Booking & Further information:
To optimise the learning experience a maximum capacity has been set per group –
so space is very limited! To secure one of the limited spaces on this course, please
use the University’s ePay system. One to one tutorials and small group workshops
can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.

Key Information:

Course: Chinese Fan Painting Workshop

Date & Time: 10am – 3.30pm / Saturday 1 June 2024

Student level: Our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way, whether you’re a beginner
or an experienced artist.

Location: This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 5HP.

Why should I take this course?
In this workshop, you’ll learn the techniques of Chinese brush painting as you create
a beautiful floral design on a fan. Using ink, rice paper, and a Chinese brush, you’ll
learn to paint petals, leaves, stems, and other details that will bring your flowers to
life.

What does it cover?

Discover the beauty of Chinese brush painting and express your creativity in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. We will guide you through the steps to create your own hand-painted fan. You’ll leave the workshop with a stunning work of art that you can display or use to keep cool on a hot day.

About the teacher:
This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor, featured in BBC
documentary ‘The art of Chinese brush painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape
Artist of the year 2015’, whose work has been projected across Edinburgh castle
during the 2015 Military Tattoo. For more information and to see Chi’s work please
visit http://www.chizhangartist.com. Please contact the tutor if you need any further
information or advice prior registration.

How much does it cost?
£40

Booking & Further information:
To optimise the learning experience a maximum capacity has been set per group –
so space is very limited! To secure one of the limited spaces on this course, please
use the University’s ePay system. One to one tutorials and small group workshops
can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.

Key Information:

Date & Time: Thursdays 18, 25 April, 2, 9, 16 May 2024 / 10.00am – 12.30pm

Student level:Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, our classes are designed to
meet your needs and help you develop your skills at your own pace. All practice
materials will be refreshed from the previous class.

Location:
This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, 1 Marchhall,Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP.

Why should I take this course?

The unique Chinese landscape painting developed more than a thousand years ago, and brought to perfection by generations of master painters. Landscape, Shan Shui, literally translated as ‘mountain and water’ typically involves the representation of natural elements, often with symbolic meanings.

What does it cover?
Here are some common subjects in Chinese landscape painting, including
mountains, water, trees, traditional Chinese architecture, and figures.

About the teacher:
This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor, featured in BBC
documentary ‘The art of Chinese brush painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape
Artist of the year 2015’, whose work has been projected across Edinburgh castle
during the 2015 Military Tattoo. For more information and to see Chi’s work please
visit http://www.chizhangartist.com.

How much does it cost?
£100

Booking & Further information:
To optimise the learning experience a maximum capacity has been set per group –
so space is very limited! To secure one of the limited spaces on this course, please
use the University’s ePay system. One to one tutorials and small group workshops
can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.

We are pleased to continue supporting programmes running at The Hippodrome, Scotland’s number one ‘destination’ cinema and winner of Best Cinema Experience in Scotland 2019.