Festival takes British arts on trip ahead of Olympics

Against the backdrop of the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 40 years of diplomatic ties between China and the UK, a large festival showcasing the best of British arts and creative industries, encompassing over 100 events, is to be hosted in 17 cities in China from April to September.

Organized jointly by the British Council, the Cultural and Education Section of the British embassy, UK Now, the Festival of British Arts and Creative Industries in China will feature both traditional and contemporary British arts and a wide-ranging program including dance, design, film, literature, music, fashion, theatre, architecture and visual arts.

Themed around diversity, digital media and technology, and combining a series of workshops, training programs, and interactive multimedia activities, the festival aims to educate, inspire and demonstrate how the arts transcend borders and connect people, according to the organizer at a press conference held at the British embassy in China on Thursday.

"The UK has one of the world's most active and vital arts scenes, where heritage and tradition continue to influence and inspire popular culture and contemporary art," said David Elliott, director of arts at the British Council, China. "We're delighted to be able to bring a taste of this to China through UK Now. The festival's wide-reaching program will engage and entertain millions from Hangzhou to Chongqing."

The "Tony Cragg: Sculptures and Drawings" exhibition opened on Friday at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing as a pre-festival event. Other highlights will include a photo exhibition by Britain's acclaimed celebrity portrait and fashion photographer Rankin; Propeller, an all-male theater troupe dedicated to Shakespeare and a mass dance show to be held in Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro in July, the host cities of three consecutive Olympics.

With an emphasis on education and art, the festival will further extend its reach with an online campaign, participation at the UK Now website (www.uknow.org.cn), social media sites, and four training and cultural exchange programs run hand-in-hand with the Chinese government, said Joanna Burke, British Council's Regional Director, China. Running throughout the year, these will cover cultural management and heritage, and creative economy policy.