The Confucius Institute at Western Kentucky University invites the public to the grand opening of the Chinese Learning Center on Friday, May 20, at 2 p.m. The festivities will begin in Russell Miller Theatre in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center on the WKU campus and will proceed to the grand opening of the Chinese Learning Center in Helm Library.

The afternoon event will include performances by the Confucius Institute’s Shaolin Kung Fu Troupe at Pfeiffer University, musical and dance performances by artists from the North China Electric Power University, traditional Chinese songs performed by students from W.R. McNeill Elementary School of Bowling Green, a Kung Fu demonstration by students from East West Kung Fu of Bowling Green, violin performances from Master Violinist Ching-Yi Lin’s Youth String class, and a Lion Dance performed by WKU Chinese Flagship students.

The Chinese Learning Center will provide access to Chinese language and culture through video presentations, a library and rotating art exhibits. The Confucius Institute will also offer Chinese language classes to the community at the Chinese Learning Center for both adults and children.

The hosts of this event, the Confucius Institute and Hanban, work to promote understanding of the Chinese language and culture through children’s programming, training courses, cultural workshops, and community events. These organizations have Introduced fully articulated K-16 instruction in Modern Standard Chinese in the local school systems, serve as a regional center for Chinese teacher training and Chinese curriculum development, and build connections and partnerships between Kentucky and China.

For more information about the Confucius Institute, visit www.wku.edu/ci or call 270-745-2836.