Spotlight on Spring Jewellery
The weather cruelly does not yet reflect the fact that it is March, nearly Easter and therefore Spring. Thankfully Chinese Arts Centre shop’s latest exclusive jewellery collections do. The unique beautifully crafted pieces provide the perfect way make a fashionable nod to the changing seasons, without having to give up the Winter woollies. For example these fantastically kitsch metal bird brooches by Melanie Tomlinson will inject a bit of brightness into any outfit.
For a more understated accessory, these delicate textured silk cuffs by Meng-Jung Li are bang on Spring trends for statement wrist pieces. Eight different artists’ ranges are available with prices starting at just £5.
Some items available by mail order, contact Debs Gatenby on frontofhouse@chineseartscentre.org for more information.
Breathe Residency – Mao Yan Yang
12 March – 30 April
Open Studio 25 – 30 April
This month Chinese Arts Centre welcomes Chongqing based painter Mao Yan Yang. Mao’s work focuses on how our sense of the world is entirely shaped by the way in which events are reported. Mao offers a different slant on 20th century history and highlights the role of the media in making a history we perceive as fact. By presenting his chosen subject or scene behind a wall of microphones, Mao gives the event itself centre stage and forces us to question how much we believe is the actual truth.
Part of 
Gordon Cheung – Death by a Thousand Cuts
Until 23 March
Gordon Cheung’s magnificent paintings engage on many levels, from the initial powerful visual impact to the complex compositions layered with meaning. The intense awe inspiring works explore and challenge power and belief systems that run through society. Cheung has recently been selected as a winner of Jerwood Contemporary Painters, further proof that he is one of the most exciting contemporary artists working in Britain today. Make sure you experience Death by a Thousand Cuts, his first solo exhibition at Chinese Arts Centre, before it closes later this month.
Chinese arts events across the UK
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra UK Tour
Comprised of traditional Chinese strings, wind and percussion instruments, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra are renowned for their powerful and evocative performances. As part of China Now, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will be playing four UK dates this March including Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 15 March for which Student/Elderly tickets are just £5 and group bookings of ten or more are buy one get one free. For more information contact visit www.hkco.org or www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
The National Museums Railway Museum presents China 08
The National Museum Railway in York is celebrating China throughout 2008 with an action packed programme including exhibitions, events, and workshops in a wide variety of traditional Chinese arts. This month they invite you to try your hand at Chinese calligraphy, learn how to lion dance or make an opera mask as part of a range of family fun activities. For more information visit www.nrm.org.uk
Artists Opportunities
EAST Showcase
Chinese Arts Centre is calling for submissions from East Asian performance companies based in London to take part in a showcase to be held at Soho Theatre on 11 June 2008. The showcase provides an exciting opportunity for companies to present their work to national promoters. We are looking to select a range of companies with work ready to tour in the Autumn/Winter 08/09 in a range of mediums: theatre; dance; spoken word; music; Live Art etc. In addition to the showcase, those selected will receive up to £1,000 to cover their rehearsal costs and will be mentored by one of Soho’s Associate Directors.
Deadline for submissions is Monday 17 March 2008. Contact Ros Sandhu on info@chinese-arts-centre.org for more information.
Public Art Commission in London’s China Town
Deadline Extended
The deadline for submissions for two fantastic commission opportunities for East Asian artists has been extended to 28 March 2008. Chinatown Arts Space are calling for submissions from East Asian artists for a site specific sculpture commission and mural commission in the heart of London’s Chinatown. For more information on these prestigious opportunities visit www.chinatownartsspace.com
