A newly formed Swansea based charity will announce its official launch at Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum,to coincide with a celebration of the Chinese New Year from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 11th February.
The Chinese in Wales Association (CIWA) aims to make a positive difference to the lives of ethnic Chinese residents in Wales and has organised multiple events to mark the annual cultural celebration of Chinese New Year.
In recognition of the Year of the Dog 2018, the CIWA organised a ‘Cutest Dog’ competition, which sought to invite all members of the public to send in their pictures of dogs and in turn, to learn more about Chinese culture.
The charity also committed to distributing educational packs to all Swansea primary schools, to encourage Wales’ younger generation to explore the colour and excitement of Chinese New Year, further facilitating cohesion between the Chinese community and other communities in Wales.
The finale event on 11 February is open to the public and will offer cultural performances of a Lion Dance and KungFu, costume displays, and activities for all ages, including traditional Chinese games. The CIWA will be officially launched on the day by the Lord Mayor of the City and County of Swansea, Philip Downing, and Lady Mayoress, Lilian Downing.
In addition to partnering with the National Waterfront Museum to host its launch, the charity has received backing from numerous businesses, including Diamond City Properties Ltd, English Anytime, Peter Lynn and Partners, Swansea Sixth-form College, and the Confucius Institute at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.
Mrs Shirley Au-Yeung, the founder and Chairperson of CIWA, stated:” We established CIWA to meet the changing needs of the Chinese community in Wales. Our vision is to promote cohesion, respect and participation. The support we have received from the local community and the National Waterfront Museum to host the celebrations and launch is truly remarkable. This celebration, which is free of charge and open to everyone, will showcase Chinese culture and heritage at its very best with spectacular dances, music and breath-taking performances. So come along and join us. ”
The head of the National Waterfront Museum Steph Mastoris said: “The National Waterfront Museum is very pleased to host once again these celebrations for the Chinese New Year. This exciting, entertaining and colourful event is one of the high-points in the museum’s calendar and all of the staff very much look forward to it. The museum is also honoured to be the location for the launch of the Chinese in Wales Association, which will do much to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture throughout Wales.”
