Category: Uncategorized
Year of the Dragon – Chinese and English Bilingual Ceilidh
This year, our institute has paired up with a bilingual ceilidh caller and ceilidh band for the students and friends of our institute to enjoy the joy and breathless wonder of the traditional Scottish ceilidh as a celebration of the arrival of the Year of the Dragon.
We will provide live music, dancing space and interpreted dance directions – you just bring your joy and energy and prepare for the potential of feeling dizzy!
All Welcome! The price includes a welcome drink.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite HERE.
Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Orchids
Key Information:
Date & Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm / Thursday, 29nd February 2024
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.
Location:
This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP.
Why should I take this course?
Orchids hold profound cultural significance in various Asian traditions, particularly in China and Japan. Symbolizing beauty, refinement, and elegance, orchids are a popular subject in traditional Chinese brush painting.
What does it cover?
This painting course explores the cultural significance of orchids, teaching Chinese brush painting techniques for capturing their beauty. Embrace the therapeutic aspects of art, develop personal expression, and gain insights into the historical context of Chinese painting.
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?
£20
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 register by completing the Registration Form HERE. One to one tutorials and small group workshops can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.
Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Oriental Crane
Key Information:
Date & Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm / Thursday, 22nd February 2024
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.
Location:
This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP.
Why should I take this course?
Cranes are symbolic in Asian cultures, representing longevity, wisdom, and good fortune. Learn how to use Chinese brush techniques to create beautiful art that combines mind and body. Discover art’s calming and personal growth benefits while understanding the historical context behind Chinese art.
What does it cover?
The course extends into practical applications within the realm of Chinese art, offering a broader canvas for your creative horizons.
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?
£20
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 register by completing the Registration Form HERE. One to one tutorials and small group workshops can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.
Chinese Calligraphy Masterclass – write your own ‘Fu’
Key Information:
Date & Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm / Thursday, 8th February 2024
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.
Location:
This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP.
Why should I take this course?
Chinese calligraphy is one of China’s earliest and most important visual art forms. Practising Chinese painting and calligraphy is a calm, relaxing, and meditative process which benefits our well-being and leads to longevity. By controlling the special soft brush with a sharp point, Chinese brush painting is a mental exercise and a physical exercise that coordinates the mind and the body.
What does it cover?
Celebrate the Chinese New Year by making your own ‘Fu’. Chinese calligraphy with
‘Fu’, which means ‘Good luck, good fortune’ is the special message for
Chinese New Year and all other festival occasions.
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?
£20
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 register by completing the Registration Form HERE. One to one tutorials and small group workshops can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.
Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Tiger
Key Information:
Date & Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm / Thursday 1st February 2024
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.
Location:
This class will be delivered in person at Confucius Institute campus, Abden House, 1 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 5HP.
Why should I take this course?
In many Asian cultures, particularly in China and Korea, the tiger symbolizes power, strength, and courage. It is considered a powerful guardian against evil spirits. Chinese brush painting has a distinctive style characterized by flowing brushstrokes and an emphasis on capturing the essence of the subject. Learning this style can contribute to developing your own unique artistic expression.
What does it cover?
By controlling the special soft brush with a sharp point, Chinese brush painting is a mental exercise and 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?
£20
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 register by completing the Registration Form HERE. One to one tutorials and small group workshops can also be arranged. Please email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk for more info.
Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Bamboo
Key Information:
Course: Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Bamboo
Date & Time: Thursday 30th November/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.
Location: This class will be delivered in person at the Confucius Institute campus, 1 Marchhall Crescent Edinburgh EH16 5HP.
Why should I take this course?
Bamboo has significant cultural importance in China and other East Asian countries, representing the good character of real gentlemen and nobles. The tradition of bamboo and orchid painting has been around for centuries, and some techniques have been used for over 1,000 years. Using Chinese soft brushes, ink and colours, you will be shown how to achieve beautiful paintings in the style of Chinese old masters.
What does it cover?
In this class, you will learn the fundamental techniques of Chinese brush painting, including the use of the brush, ink, and paper, as well as the basic strokes and styles of this art form. You will also explore the cultural and historical significance of Chinese brush painting and its influence on other art forms.
About the teacher:
This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor featured in the BBC documentary ‘The art of Chinese brush painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape Artist of the year 2015’, whose work was 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?
£20
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.
Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Winter Landscape
Key Information:
Course: Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Winter Landscape
Date & Time: Thursday 23rd November/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.
Location: This class will be delivered in person at the 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 was brought to perfection by generations of master painters.’ Landscape, Shan Shui, translated as ‘mountain and water’, is among the most popular subjects in Chinese brush painting. This class will introduce the history of Chinese landscape painting and the standard techniques related to Chinese soft brushes and ink.
What does it cover?
In this class, you will learn the fundamental techniques of Chinese brush painting, including the use of the brush, ink, and paper, as well as the basic strokes and styles of this art form. You will also explore the cultural and historical significance of Chinese brush painting and its influence on other art forms.
About the teacher:
This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor featured in the BBC documentary ‘The art of Chinese brush painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape Artist of the year 2015’, whose work was 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?
£20
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.
Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Fish
Key Information:
Course: Chinese Brush Painting Masterclass – Fish
Date & Time: Saturday 18th November 2023/ 10.30am – 1.00pm
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.
Location: This class will be delivered in person at the Confucius Institute campus, 1 Marchhall Crescent Edinburgh EH16 5HP.
Why should I take this course?
In Chinese culture, fish symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Koi fish, whether black or red, additionally represent affluence, triumph, and popularity. Through the use of Chinese soft brushes, ink, and colours, participants will be guided in achieving exquisite paintings in the style of ancient Chinese masters.
What does it cover?
In this class, you will learn the fundamental techniques of Chinese brush painting, including the use of the brush, ink, and paper, as well as the basic strokes and styles of this art form. You will also explore the cultural and historical significance of Chinese brush painting and its influence on other art forms.
About the teacher:
This course will be led by Chi Zhang – an experienced instructor featured in the BBC documentary ‘The art of Chinese brush painting’, shortlisted for ‘Sky TV Landscape Artist of the year 2015’, whose work was 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?
£20
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.
Zhong Wanying
Position: Language Teacher
Telephone: 0131 6622180
Email: v1wzhon3@ed.ac.uk
Zhong Wanying is now studying for a master’s in teaching Chinese as a second language at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China. By learning this major for five years, She has gained lots of professional knowledge about how to teach Chinese efficiently. She has gained a solid theoretical foundation in linguistics and education. She also accumulated teaching experience during these years. She already has a certificate for teachers of Chinese to speakers of other languages. She joined the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh from September 2023.
She enjoys meeting new people from different cultural backgrounds to feel the cultural exchange. She hopes to lead the students to enjoy their journey of Chinese learning.
Free Weekly Film Session is back!
You are warmly invited to the free weekly film session, which takes place on Friday afternoons at 2 p.m. in the Screening Room, G04, 50 George Square, EH8 9JU.
Here is the list of the films that will be showing from October to December 2023
Friday 6 October, Red Heroine (Wen Yimin 1929)
Friday 13 October, Daybreak (Sun Yu, 1933)
Friday 20 October, The Goddess (Wu Yonggang, 1934)
Friday 3 November, China in Revolution 1937-1949 (Documentary)
Friday 10 November, The Big Road (Sun Yu, 1934)
Friday 17 November, Crossroads (Shen Xiling, 1937)
Friday 24 November, Street Angel (Yuan Muzhi, 1937)
Friday 1 December, Spring in a Small Town (Fei Mu, 1948)
The Free Films on Friday programme is curated by Chinese Studies senior lecturer Dr Julian Ward whose core specialism is in Chinese literature and film.
The University library holds more than 600 films spanning China’s 20th century film history which are available for loan to those who have a library card.
All welcome, no booking is required.
Conversational Chinese starting from 7th November, 2023
We are delighted to announce our five-week language course – the Chinese Conversational Elementary and Intermediate classes will start again on 7th November. These courses are for those who want to spend some dedicated time practising their Chinese oral and consolidating their conversation skills. It will help students with elementary and intermediate language levels develop well-balanced speaking and listening competence by learning and applying Chinese communicative skills in a specific professional or cultural context.
Conversational Chinese – Elementary level
Date: 8th Nov – 6th Dec, 2023
Time: 6pm-7.30pm
Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)
Class size: maximum of six students
Price: £50/£40
Location: Confucius Institute Campus, No. 79 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh. EH16 5AL
Booking: Please reserve your place HERE
Conversational Chinese – Intermediate level
Date: Tuesday, 7th Nov – 5th Dec
Time: 6pm-7.30pm
Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)
Class size: maximum of six students
Price: £50/£40
Location: Confucius Institute Campus, No. 79 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh. EH16 5AL
Booking: Please reserve your place HERE.
Sinoist Roadshow: Tales of Translation
Join us for an evening of discussions at the beautiful Abden House, featuring fascinating discussions between Liang Hong, Liu Zhenyun and Esther Tyldesley. We’ll share some stories from behind the scenes in a translation project.
In collaboration with Sinoist Books, we’re excited to announce an event to introduce two premier Chinese authors to the English reading public.
About the Speakers
Liu Zhenyun is an author of novels, short stories and screenplays. His honours and awards are numerous, including the Mao Dun Literature Prize and France’s Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Liang Hong is an award-winning writer, essayist and professor. She is known for her trailblazing focus on rural people’s stories.
Esther Tyldesley is a translator and teacher of translation and Chinese. She has translated many books, including Xinran’s The Good Women of China.
All Welcome! Please book your place HERE.
Doors Open Days – Abden House, Sunday, 24 Sept, 10 am-3 pm
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 2023 programme. This Sunday, 24 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 storytelling of the upcoming Mid-autumn festival. The Doors Open Day is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Abden House, learn some basic Chinese language and enjoy several cultural activities, or simply meet up with friends old and new over a cup of tea and some moon cakes and Chinese snacks.
All welcome!
Vacancy: Administrator
The Confucius Institute for Scotland is seeking a new administrator. This is a fixed-term appointment. Vacancy details can be found HERE.
08/02/2023, 11:59 PM
HSK and HSKK exams, 2023
Working with the Chinese Testing Centre (CTI), we are delighted to announce that the two upcoming exam diets for HSK and HSKK in 2023 are on Sunday, 15 Oct and Sunday, 3 Dec this year; all the HSK exams running at the Institute will be in-person exams only and taking place at the Confucius Institute for Scotland campus. Please mark your diary now. We will publish full details of the exams on our website soon.
UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights speech – 17 June, 2023
You are warmly invited to the below lecture organised by Art27scotland.
Please join us to welcome Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights to give the keynote speech during the Festival of Migration.
Alexandra’s recent report to the UN Human Rights Council focused on Cultural Rights and Migration. “Migration often turns individuals from being part of a majority to being part of a minority; from being part of the mainstream society to being part of peripheral and often marginalized communities and hence makes their cultural rights more vulnerable” A. Xanthaki
We look forward to hearing more of her research to understand more about why the right to a cultural life really matters for everyone, and what we can do to support a better future. Alexandra’s speech will be followed by a Q&A where we will have the opportunity to follow up some of her findings.
The evening will be closed by the amazing Southside Symphony. Seven music pieces composed by the group members, the pieces will take us in a journey that reflects the rich cultural variety of our neighborhood.
Date and Time: Sat, 17 Jun 2023 19:00 – 21:30 BST
Location: South Side Community Centre, 117 Nicolson Street Newington EH8 9ER
Booking: Reserve your place HERE
For more programme details visit: https://art27scotland.org/
Conversational Chinese starting from 29 May
We are delighted to announce our five-week language course – the Chinese Conversational Elementary and Intermediate classes will start again on 29 May. These courses are for those who want to spend some dedicated time practising their Chinese oral and consolidating their conversation skills. It will help students with elementary and intermediate language levels develop well-balanced speaking and listening competence by learning and applying Chinese communicative skills in a specific professional or cultural context.
Conversational Chinese – Elementary level
Date: Monday, 29 May – 26 June
Time: 6pm-7.30pm
Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)
Class size: maximum of six students
Price: £50/£40
Location: Confucius Institute Campus, No. 79 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh. EH16 5AL
Booking: Please reserve your place HERE
Conversational Chinese – Intermediate level
Date: Thursday, 1 June – 29 June
Time: 6pm-7.30pm
Duration: 5 weeks, 5 sessions (1.5 hour each session)
Class size: maximum of six students
Price: £50/£40
Location: Confucius Institute Campus, No. 79 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh. EH16 5AL
Booking: Please reserve your place HERE.
The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs with Steve Brusatte
You are warmly invited to the below lecture organised by colleagues at the Edinburgh Zoo.
Dinosaurs ruled the world for over 150 million years and their descendants continue to thrive today as birds, including many that you can see at the zoo.
In this talk, palaeontologist Steve Brusatte will give a breezy biography of dinosaurs, where you can learn about their humble origins, how they became the largest animals to ever live on land and their sudden death in the fireball of an asteroid.
Steve Brusatte is Professor of Palaeontology and Evolution at the University of Edinburgh and a specialist on the anatomy, genealogy and evolution of dinosaurs and mammals. He is a keen communicator of science and the author of popular science books including Sunday Times bestseller, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, and The Rise and Reign of the Mammals.
He was also the palaeontology consultant for the 2022 film Jurassic World: Dominion!
Following the talk, you can purchase a copy of his book and get it signed. If you already have a copy, remember to bring it along.
This event will take place in the Budongo Lecture Theatre on Thursday, 20 April, from 6:30 pm – 8 pm. For further information, please contact events@rzss.org.uk
Tickets are available on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-rise-and-fall-of-dinosaurs-with-steve-brusatte-tickets
HIPPODROME SILENT FILM FESTIVAL – Volcanic Passions, 26 March,2023
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.
Volcanic Passions (aka Loving Blood of the Volcano), Sunday, 26 March | 14:00
In this passionate melodrama, set in the South Seas, Zheng Junli plays an anguished hero whose heart is healed by the beautiful dancer, Willow Blossom (Li Li-Li). This is Li’s first leading role and the first of her six collaborations with writer/director Sun Yu.
In a tropical land at the foot of a volcano, “a deep grudge rankles, and ignites!”… don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a delicious fusion of Chinese peasant drama with Hollywood-style island exotica.
Browse Hippfest 2023 Digital Brochure Here and Book Your Ticket Here.
A daily shuttle bus service to and from Linlithgow station is available. Please visit the Hippodrome Cinema website for details
Images courtesy of the China FIlm Archive