ABOUT US
Introduction | History | Advisory Group
China Now in Scotland celebrates contemporary China in the classroom and the board room, in gardens and galleries, and in theatres and movies. Our programme of events from partners across Scotland features a cast of artists, footballers, singers, business professionals, educators, scientists, musicians, dancers, and no doubt a dragon or two!
‘I welcome CHINA NOW as a valuable and exciting idea to help bring our countries closer together and further develop and strengthen our relationship.’
Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister
‘CHINA NOW will strengthen the understanding and friendship between China and the UK. We must work together to make the festival a success.’
Wen Jiabao, Premier of the People’s Republic of China
China Now in Scotland is part of CHINA NOW - the UK’s largest ever festival of Chinese culture with over 800 events taking place nationwide. In Scotland the programme is supported by the Scottish Government and co-ordinated by the Confucius Institute for Scotland.
China Now in Scotland has come into being through the energy and commitment of numerous individuals and organisations which recognise the growing influence and impact that China has on our lives. Chinese culture is very different from our own and through this festival, we can learn about this fascinating country and its culture both historic and contemporary. China Now was originally conceived by the business community and has garnered support and commitment from a wide range of organisations and individuals. Backed by the Scottish Government, and with the endorsement of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Chinese Premier Wen Jia Bao, initially the festival was shaped by the ideas and energy of the Advisory Group.
The Advisory Group, all of whom are volunteers, is organised into working parties with membership drawn from the organisations listed below.
The agreed objectives of the Advisory Group in developing the Festival are
“To enthuse, inform and inspire people in Scotland about China by providing opportunities to experience, compare and explore historical and contemporary characteristics of China’s culture.
To create a legacy of collaboration and involvement between China and Scotland by facilitating business, educational, scientific and cultural contacts in the future.”
The patron of China Now in Scotland is Sir Robert Smith, current chairman of Weir Group.
- 48 Group Club
- Aeolus Group
- Aberdeen City Council
- Arup Scotland
- Barclays
- British Council Scotland
- Burrell Collection
- CBBC Scotland
- Chinese Consulate Office
- Confucius Institute for Scotland
- China Company Research Services Ltd
- Edinburgh Book Festival
- Glasgow Culture and Sport
- Glasgow School of Art
- Great Wall Consultancy
- Mylnefield Research Services
- Napier University
- National Museums of Scotland
- Orkney International Science Festival
- Ricefield Arts and Cultural Centre
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Scotland-China Association
- Scotland-China Education Network
- Scottish Arts Council
- Scottish Government
- University of Edinburgh
In addition to the activity being generated by these organisations, programme partners across the country are adding to the growing number of festival events. Spanning a number of sectors including business, education, the arts, science and sports more events are being added regularly. Check out our database for events in Scotland and visit www.chinanow.org.uk for events listings elsewhere in the country.