The fourth and final China Youth Art Exhibition and New Zealand-China Cultural Connection Book Fair was held in the Cambridge Town Hall on Saturday.
Making dumplings. Photo: Supplied
Schoolmates Max Dixon, left, and Lansley Davies-Colley make dumplings in the refurbished Cambridge Town Hall kitchen. Photo: Supplied
Organiser Dandi Wang made the announcement of its last appearance before the event, resulting in a good turnout of people who mingled with the Chinese delegation.
A presentation was made by her to acknowledge Cambridge artist Carole Hughes who has been a supporter of the event from the beginning.
Carole Hughes acknowledges the presentation. Photo: Michael Jeans.
More than 2000 English-language books from China were on display, covering a wide range of subjects. Young artists from both New Zealand and China also shared their creative works, fostering cross-cultural appreciation.
Deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk welcomed the delegation and guests who the previous day had been in Auckland where they met with Arts, Culture and Heritage minister Paul Goldsmith. Spied there were books from Waipā author Amy Harrop.
Waipa author Amy Harrop features.
And in a ceremony in Cambridge the night before, Cambridge guests had the opportunity to learn how to make dumplings.
“So much laughter in the kitchen as we prepared the food for today – of course we did quite a bit of taste testing too,” she said.
“While it is bittersweet to be saying farewell, today is also an opportunity to celebrate everything this exhibition and book fair have given us.
“Over these past years, we have been privileged to see the incredible talent of China’s and Cambridge’s young artists that has fostered creativity and strengthening relationships that will continue long after.”
In the past four years, the China Book Trading Company has gifted books to the community.
“These donations have enriched our schools, our libraries, and our homes,” said Stolwyk.
Johnny Wong of Auckland checks out one of the books in Cultural Fair at the Cambridge Town Hall. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Zane Beattie tries out one of the dumplings he made in the refurbished Cambridge Town Hall kitchen. Photo: Supplied
New Zealand China Cultural Connection
