Extraordinary music from a variety of traditional instruments filled the air on Oct. 16, 2023 at TWU Richmond’s Lansdowne site. That day, Trinity Western welcomed special guests and community members for the opening reception of an exhibition of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting themed, “Painting in Colours Sustains Destiny that Ties People Together”.
Welcoming visiting artists and educators
Special guests included Professor Li Guishan, dean of the Institute of Multicultural Research at Tianjin University of Technology, along with a delegation of artists and educators from Tianjin, including Mr. Song Xiaodong of Tianjin Nanda Aoyu Collegiate, and Mr. Liu Duo and Mr. Yang Nuo of Tianjin More English Training Institution.
Celebrating 30 years of educational partnership
Trinity Western has had many years of educational partnership and cultural exchange with the city of Tianjin. TWU signed its first international agreement at Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU) in 1992. This partnership that started more than 30 years ago became an early step in the University’s international growth. Today, TWU continues to advance as a global Christian university with multiple partnerships, FAR Centres, and programs that welcome students from all over the world.
Sports, arts, and cultural exchange
This month’s calligraphy and painting exhibition at TWU Richmond celebrates the University’s longstanding educational partnerships and many years of friendship with artists and educators from Tianjin.
A highlight among these partnerships is a decades-long visiting teachers’ program through which 178 public education English teachers from Tianjin received professional training and development in Canada through TWU between 2002–2012.
Engaging the world
The Trinity Western Spartans teams have travelled for tournaments overseas on numerous occasions. Notably, in 2011 and 2013 the Men's Basketball team played exhibition games in several Chinese cities including Tianjin, Wuhan, Beijing and Shanghai. Ongoing, Spartans athletes compete, coach, and conduct community work in countries such as USA, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Spain, Benin, and Ethiopia.
In 2018, the TWU Chamber Choir performed on tour to Tianjin. Over the years, the TWU Chamber Choir has also performed in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Ukraine, and Carnegie Hall in New York.
TWU’s Great Wall MBA program, a partnership with Tianjin University of Finance and Economics (TUFE), was launched in 2013 and continues to graduate students trained in values-based business leadership.
Showcasing over 50 pieces of artwork
This calligraphy and painting exhibition at TWU Richmond was originally planned for 2020. After much anticipation, TWU is honoured to host the exhibition, which features over 50 pieces of artwork by five talented artists.
During the opening reception, Professor Guishan spoke of his journey of encountering Trinity Western University in Canada. TWU President Mark Husbands, Vice President of Innovation, Global & Academic Partnerships Phil Laird, and Interim Dean of the School of the Arts, Media + Culture Scott Macklin gave remarks as well on TWU's global vision and experiences. One of the presenting artists, Lyu Sipeng, is pursuing graduate studies at TWU and looks forward to receiving his MA in Leadership degree this fall.
At the event, Vancouver musicians from Canada YC Music Academy under the direction of Yang Zhongcai performed traditional Chinese folk music.
About TWU Richmond
Located in the heart of the city, TWU Richmond provides programs tailored to the urban and international audience in Richmond and Metro Vancouver. The expansive, modern spaces are designed for students to engage in TWU bachelor's degree and master's degree programs. Learn more about the programs offered at TWU Richmond.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.