Sounds and Tastes of China to Fill the Bluegrass

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 22, 2016) In celebration of the work being done by Confucius Institutes across the globe, the University of Kentucky Confucius Institute (UKCI) will present Confucius Institute Day Sept. 24, the third presentation of this annual UKCI event. This showcase of arts, games, workshops and delicious food celebrating China will be presented from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza. All events are free and open to the public.

Visitors to UKCI Day will have the opportunity to try Chinese calligraphy and ink painting, try on traditional Chinese costumes, taste authentic Chinese cuisine, experience a chopsticks skill competition and enjoy the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. In addition, they can experience throat-singing and horse-head fiddle performances firsthand at the center stage.

The UKCI Day celebration will coincide with the annual Japanese Summer Festival presented by the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK). UKCI and JASK will share the same main stage and venue presenting Chinese and Japanese culture side by side. The idea is for visitors and audiences to experience the two cultures at the same time so they may be able to compare and contrast the different cultures and thus gain deeper understanding of both. 

“This kind of collaborative venture will not only educate our community in a much better and profound way, but also enhance the understanding between peoples and cultures,” UKCI Director Huajing Maske said. “By working together we understand each other more and by understanding each other more, we work better together!” 

A gateway for Chinese language, culture and art to the people of Kentucky, UKCI provides leadership, support and coordination for Chinese language and programs in K-12 schools as well as on UK's campus; assists and facilitates establishing and maintaining faculty and student exchanges between UK colleges and Chinese universities; conducts Chinese language and cultural exchange; and promotes education about China on campus, across the Bluegrass region, and throughout the Commonwealth. To keep up with UK Confucius Institute and future events, join the institute's litserv and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat (UKConfucius).

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu