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New expectations
Three brands have been borne out of the Sharm el-Sheikh Action Plan: Culture in Focus, Happy Spring Festival, and China-Africa Exchange Visits. Now, more attention is being paid to their comprehensive, in-depth and balanced development.
Yu feels that cultural exchanges should expand beyond provincial and municipal levels. "Even grassroots cultural organizations such as art galleries [can hold activities]," he says. "They are more close to people's everyday life. When staff at grassroots cultural institutions are involved in these programs they gain a wider perspective, which serves their community better after they return home. These exchanges can be a driving force for social development."
This year, Chinese enterprises in Africa have given some support to Culture in Focus activities. Huawei Technologies donated 50,000 rand to match the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe's contribution to disability initiatives in South Africa; Sinosteel Corp. purchased tickets to support the troupe's performances.
But there is still a long way to go. "Support [from Chinese business interests] is still scattered," says Yu, suggesting that incentives like preferential tax policies could help to encourage enterprise participation. He believes support should become the norm for Chinese companies operating in Africa. Not only will companies benefit economically from these practices, he says, but their efforts may help improve "their images in local communities."
Chinese Culture in Focus 2011
Events During January-June & August
January
> Mauritius: The Spring Festival Exhibition
> Mauritius: Selected Chinese Prints of the 20th Century Exhibition
> Mauritius, Seychelles: Happy Spring Festival – Performances by the Fujian Arts Troupe
> Tanzania: Happy Spring Festival – Kite-Flying Activity
> Tanzania: Happy Spring Festival – Performances by the China Conservatory Arts Troupe
> China National Radio's report of the Spring Festival activities in Tanzania
> Gabon: Happy Spring Festival – Performances by the Shanghai Arts Troupe
February
> Burundi, Ethiopia: Happy Spring Festival – Performances by the China Conservatory Arts Troupe
> Mauritius: 2011 Annual Cultural Show
> Chinese New Year's Cultural Show in Triolet
> Chinese New Year's Cultural Show in Port Louis
> Lantern Festival 2011: Film Screening
> Chinese Classical Poetry Night 2011
> Benin, Nigeria: Happy Spring Festival – Performances by the Shanghai Arts Troupe
> South Africa: Happy Spring Festival – Chinese New Year Gala in Johannesburg, Cape Town
> Chinese Cultural Journey – Open Day of Chinese Embassy in South Africa
> Spring Festival Temple Fair in Johannesburg
> Exhibition of Paper-cutting from Shaanxi Province
> Eritrea: Celebration preparation for the 20th Anniversary of Eritrean Independence
> Zimbabwe: Performances by the China Renmin University Arts Troupe
March
> Mauritius: China Cultural Center Erhu Course 2011
> A Glance at China: Painting Exhibition of Pascal Gaspard
> Discover China 2011– Lecture on Painting Creation in China
> Chinese Film Screening – Bodyguards and Assassins
> Senegal: International Dragon Boat Racing Competition in Mbao
> Discover China 2011– Lecture on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
> Zimbabwe: West China Photo Exhibition
> "Zimbabwe in the Eyes of Chinese Photographers" Photo Exhibition
> Benin: Training Courses for Ping-pong Coaches
April
> Mauritius: Discover China 2011– Lecture on Chinese Tea Culture
> China Cultural Center Flute Course 2011
> Senegal, Ghana: My Dream: Cultural Show by the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe
> Zimbabwe, South Africa: Commercial performances by the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe
> South Africa: Exhibition of Paper-cutting from Shaanxi Province
> Kenya: Senior Chinese official Li Changchun's visit to Kenya accompanied by Culture Minister Cai Wu
> Exhibition of "China in African Painters' Eyes"
> Mozambique: Senior Chinese official Li Changchun's visit to Mozambique accompanied by Culture Minister Cai Wu, signing the China and Mozambique Cultural Cooperation Agreement Implementation Plan (2011-14)
> Tanzania: The documentary Created in China and Chinese film Hutong Days screened at the Sixth Asian Film Festival
> Ethiopia: Chinese documentaries screening and international publicity materials donated
May
> Senegal: Chinese Film Week
> Mauritius: My Dream: Cultural Show by the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe
> Chinatown Food & Culture Festival Gala Show by the Fujian Acrobatic Troupe
> Zimbabwe: Chinese Books Exhibition
> Eritrea: Exhibition of China's Development Achievements
> Ethiopia: Chinese books and international publicity video materials donated
> Tanzania: Chinese books donation
> Madagascar, Namibia, Gabon & Mozambique: Chinese Martial Arts Journey – Performances by Chinese Martial Arts Delegation
> South Africa, Mauritius, Benin: Teaching and promotion of Chinese gymnastic qigong in Africa
>Kenya: Chinese Books Exhibition in Nairobi
> South Africa: Exhibition of Paper-cutting from Shaanxi Province
June
> Zimbabwe: Chinese Film Festival in Bulawayo
> South Africa, Mauritius: Discover China 2011– Lecture by the famous Chinese economist Li Yining
> Senegal, Tanzania: Chinese books donation
> Senegal: Discover China 2011– Lecture on Chinese Culture
> Mauritius: Lecture on the Culture of Fujian Province
> Ethiopia: Lecture on traditional Chinese festivals
August Events Schedule
> South Africa, Mauritius: The Chinese governmental cultural delegation's visiting tour headed by Vice Minister of Culture Zhao Shaohua
> Mauritius: Discover China 2011 – Lecture on Chinese Qigong
> Tanzania: Photo Exhibition of "Henan Province in the Eyes of World Photographers"
> The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Bridge of Friendship – Chinese books donation
> South Africa: Selected Chinese Prints of the 20th Century Exhibition
Chinese Embroidery Exhibition
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