Celebrating Chinese Cultural Heritage Day at St Fagans National Museum of History

The Chinese in Wales Association (CIWA) proudly hosted the inaugural Chinese Cultural Heritage Day celebration at the esteemed St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, Wales. This historic event, held on June 8, 2024, drew an impressive crowd of over 5,500 attendees, marking it as one of the standout cultural gatherings of the year in Wales.

Event Highlights

Cultural Diversity

Visitors were treated to a vibrant spectrum of cultural experiences, from traditional handicrafts to captivating performances, interactive workshops, and immersive displays. The event featured enthralling Lion and dragon dances, among other traditional performances, offering attendees a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

Community Engagement:

The event brought together attendees from diverse backgrounds, fostering connections and understanding among communities, showcasing the power of cultural diversity to unite and enrich our shared experiences. Visitors came from across Wales, from places as far as Aberystwyth and Bangor.

Collaborative Partnerships:

Comprehensive event activities contributed from various academic institutions and local interest groups added depth and diversity to the event, providing guests with a broad spectrum of cultural insights and experiences. Collaborators included Cardiff University, Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and the Abertawe Festival for Young Musicians, broadening the cultural tapestry of the event and offering guests a diverse range of experiences and insights.

Honoured Guests and Generous Sponsorship:
The event was graced by several VIPs, including Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Mrs. Sue Thomas, senior civil servants from Welsh Government and local councils, partner representatives, community leaders, and other prominent figures who showed their support for CIWA’s mission. Additionally, China Southern Airlines generously sponsored the event, adding excitement with a lucky draw, while the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s promotion stall featuring the red dragon Dewi also added great joy to the visitors.

Dragon Festival Project:

The Chinese Cultural Heritage Day celebration was part of CIWA’s Dragon Festival Project—a series of cultural events commemorating the Year of the Dragon. Funded by Arts Council Wales, this project aims to celebrate Chinese culture and heritage across Wales, promoting cultural exchange and dialogue.

Our Stories Project

As part of the event, CIWA launched the Our Stories Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This oral history project aims to capture the life stories of Chinese migrants living in Wales, preserving their rich personal histories for future generations. An exhibition showcasing these stories will be held at the “Wales Is…” Gallery at St Fagans in November this year.

“Dragon in My Heart” Painting Competition

A painting competition partnership with Swansea University showcased CIWA’s efforts to promote cultural exchanges among diverse communities. Nearly 40 paintings on the theme of dragons from across Wales were received, symbolizing strength, bravery, resilience, and unity.

Quotes

Mrs. Shirley Au-Yeung, Founder and CEO of CIWA: “This event has been prepared for a year with great effort of community spirit. We are thrilled to see so many people participating in this event. Chinese Cultural Heritage Day is not only about promoting traditional Chinese culture but also serves as an important platform for promoting exchanges between Chinese and Welsh cultures. We hope this event will give the Welsh public an opportunity to appreciate the depth and richness of Chinese culture and art while encouraging members of the Chinese community to explore and visit Welsh historic sites.”

Dr. Yan Wu, CIWA Chair: “Dragons are of great significance in both Chinese and Welsh culture. Artists from all ethnic groups express in their paintings the spirit of the dragon, which symbolizes strength, bravery, resilience, and unity. The paintings show the liveliness of the dragon culture in Welsh society.”

Ms. Ruth Oliver, Event Manager at St Fagans: “Hosting the first Chinese Cultural Heritage Day at our museum was a truly enriching experience. We are proud to support events that celebrate cultural diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. The vibrant displays and enthusiastic participation underscored the importance of cultural heritage in building bridges between communities.”

Mr. Ke Chen, General Manager of China Southern Airlines in London: “I am delighted to be a part of this event and to support it. I hope that through our sponsorship, more people can experience the warmth of Chinese hospitality, gain insight into, and develop an appreciation for Chinese culture.”

Continued Engagement

CIWA remains committed to advancing Chinese culture, fostering cultural pride among its members, and advocating for equality within the Chinese community. The charity will persist in its efforts to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese cultural heritage while championing inclusivity and empowerment for all members of the community.