Chinese Arts Centre offers a series of introductory workshops, talks and demonstrations based around traditional Chinese art forms.
Chinese Arts Centre continues its commitment to an extensive learning programme. Since 1986, we have been introducing thousands of children to Chinese visual arts, crafts and performance. Led by our team of experienced and dedicated artists, our workshop programme will enhance the skills and creativity of each participant.
Focussing on teachers, school groups and clubs, nonetheless we are able to cater to participants of all ages. The workshops can take place at Chinese Arts Centre, at school or at any other venue.
From Origami to Mask Making, we offer a unique opportunity to learn about Chinese history and culture while making something original to take home.
Chinese Calligraphy
Traditionally regarded as the highest form of Chinese creativity, students will use brush and ink stone to create a single, complete character.
Brushes of varying flexibility and thickness, when applied with differing pressure, achieve a vast number of beautiful effects.
Strength, balance, beauty life and movement are combined to make the brush dance and ink sing!
Chinese brush painting
Rooted in calligraphy, this delicate art form adapts brush stokes to represent space, form, light and shade. The use of the brush is instrumental to the evolution of the painting. In both calligraphy and painting, colour is also used to generate forms, vary tone and provide character.
Lantern Making
The lantern festival falls on the 15th day of the 1st month in the lunar calendar, the night of the first full moon after the Spring Festival. It has been celebrated since the Han Dynasty (206BC – 211 AD), the ceremony welcomes the ascendant sun, bringing warmth and increasing daylight after the cold and rain, in preparation for the new spring planting.
Origami
Origami began in China. The art of paper folding, (Ori meaning to fold and Kami meaning paper) is millennia old.
A flat sheet of decorative paper can be transformed into 3D art works of
natural forms like flowers and animals.
Paper Cutting
This is one of the most popular folk arts in China and can be traced back to the 6th century AD. Paper cuts depict exaggerated yet simple images inspired by nature, language, customs, rituals, myths, stories and scenes from everyday life and it only requires paper and a pair of scissors!
Opera mask making
Exaggerated painted faces, masks and costumes help tell a story. Hero or Villain, wise man or a fool can be represented by these painted faces.
As well as making a mask, this workshop has a storytelling element including the well known Monkey King legend.
Lion Dance
The Lion Dance remains a potent symbol of good fortune, prosperity and longevity. The Chinese believe that it gets rid of all the evils and also brings happiness, fortune and luck.
Performed by martial artists, the lion dance is one of the most important and distinctive cultural touchstones of China. The workshop will involve learning some of the movements and techniques of this distinctive and historic dance.
Tai Qi (or Tai Chi)/ Qi Gong
Tai Qi is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced for health reasons. Its hard and soft martial art technique demonstrates health and longevity.
Qi Gong is another form of Tai Qi which uses slow movements to promote the circulation of Qi within the human body to improve health. The workshop involves breathing exercises and practising the movements and learning about the history and health benefits of the disciplines.
Chinese Music
In China 80 different musical instruments have been developed and played over the last 2000 years. This workshop will explore the history of Chinese music and its contrasts with Western musical traditions and will give children the chance to play some of the authentic instruments!
Dance
Traditional Dance involves ribbon dance which is a typical Chinese folk dance often performed during celebrations and festivals. A discipline which requires athleticism and rhythm to gracefully synchronizes the
movement of the ribbon with the body.
Contemporary Dance is influenced by ideas of yoga, martial arts and ballet. Classes are open, fun and can be attended by beginners and experienced dancers.
Resource Materials
We have a collection of beautiful and evocative chinese artifacts for hire. If you want to illustrate aspects of Chinese Culture, these are perfect as a visual accompaniment. In combination with our education resource packs, they present a fine introduction to one of the worlds most enduring and fascinating civilisations.
Some examples of our chinese artifacts include a lions head, tail and costumes, Chinese opera costumes, lanterns and traditional clothing.
A deposit of 50% is required.
For more information, please contact our General Manager on 0161 832 7271 or use our contact form here
A PDF version of our Workshop Programme can be downloaded below
Education Programme (1.9MB)
