The opening ceremony of the “Soaring Through the Sky” Dunhuang Art Exhibition was held at NorthTec in Whangārei on 31 March. The event was attended by nearly a hundred audience members, including Chinese Consul General Chen Shijie, Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo,Excutive Director for NorthTec Toa Faneva,and local residents.
Consul General Chen noted in his remarks that although China and New Zealand are geographically far apart, their civilizations carry shared deep appreciation of nature, pursuit of harmony, and reverence for history. Dunhuang art, spanning over a thousand years, encompasses a vast range of cultural elements. This exhibition showcases a selection of classic works, offering a vivid and unique glimpse into the world of Dunhuang. He emphasized that civilizations thrive through exchange and mutual learning. China is willing to work with New Zealand to promote culture as a bridge to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, fostering the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.
At the opening ceremony, the famous baritone Zhou Nan and local primary school students presented wonderful musical and dance performances, earning rounds of applause from the audience.
The exhibition is hosted by China Cultural Center in Auckland and will run until 15 May.