August 30, 2011

This year the guest of honour at the Beijing International Book Fair is the Netherlands. The Book Fair will start tomorrow (31 August) and runs through to 4 September. According to the article ‘Beijing International Book Fair: The Dutch Do it Right’ published in the latest issue of the Paper-Republic Newsletter, this year’s Fair ‘is likely to be the first Fair that can truly call itself a cultural and literary event.’

The main reason for this is that the Dutch Foundation for Literature has been actively involved in the organization of events to promote Dutch literature. Therefore, as the article notes: ‘in addition to twenty-three visiting Dutch authors, the Guest of Honor program includes artist talks, an exhibition of Vincent van Gogh’s letters, a book cover design show, real-time collaboration between Chinese and Dutch comic artists, and an exhibition dedicated to Robert van Gulik, an early 20th century Dutch diplomat and scholar who wrote detective novels set in Tang-dynasty China.’

If you happen to be in Beijing, check out the programme available on the Helan Wenxue website.

Written by: Audrey

August 25, 2011

Starting on 20 October and running through to 20 November 2011 is the World Cultures Festival which is held biennally. The theme this time is ‘Enchanting Arts of Asia’ featuring dance, music, puppetry and other performances and activities. The Festival is organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Highlighted in the brochure of the Festival is the joint-exhibition with the Chinese World Cultural Heritage Foundation. The exhibition entitled ‘Harmony and Peace—The Divine Spectra of China’s Fragrant Harbour: with 108 Aloes of Sacred Scripture and Related Artifacts,’ will be held at the City Hall, Low Block Exhibition Hall. This exhibition is of special significance to Hong Kong because of the city’s name.

More details about the festival can be found at the website of the World Cultures Festival (www.worldfestival.gov.hk.)

Written by: Audrey