On Sunday, 1 March, I volunteered at the Sauchiehall Street Chinese New Year celebration, organised by Ricefield Arts and other partners. The event aimed to celebrate Chinese cultural traditions with Glasgow’s broader public, creating opportunities for communities across the city (many without prior exposure to Chinese culture) to engage directly with living traditions.

The day began with volunteer preparations at 12:30, where we gathered to go through final checks on costumes, accessories, and understand the processional route. At 13:15, the organisers gave us a detailed briefing. At 14:00, we lined up in our hanfu—traditional Chinese robes in rich colours—and began walking down the street.

Walking in hanfu through the street was striking. Despite the rain, the crowd remained enthusiastic. Children watched with curiosity while many parents raised their phones to capture the moment. The colours of the robes—deep crimson, gold, and soft blue—stood out vividly against the grey, rainy afternoon. For about 45 minutes, we walked slowly through the drizzle while people lined the street to watch and photograph the procession.

After the procession ended at 14:45, the lion dance performance began. The sudden drums and cymbals created a burst of energy, starkly different from the quiet pace of the walk. The performers moved with impressive agility, their movements synchronised with the rhythm of the percussion. The lion’s head swayed and bobbed, its mouth snapping open and closed in exaggerated motions that drew gasps and laughter from the crowd.

Children pressed closer to watch, mesmerised by the spectacle. Each time the lion leapt or twisted, the crowd reacted with enthusiastic cheers and applause, creating a dynamic dialogue between performer and audience.
At 15:00, the event transitioned into the ceilidh dance. Volunteers and members of the public joined the ceilidh circle together, dancing side by side. What struck me was a Scottish woman in her seventies who eagerly joined in, concentrating on learning the steps alongside everyone else. There was no sense of “correct” or “wrong”—just people moving together, learning and laughing at mistakes. The tens of minutes of dancing felt both energetic and joyful, with the traditional hanfu adding an unexpected visual element to this distinctly Scottish tradition.

This experience showed me how cultural events create meaningful spaces for cross-cultural communication. Seeing people from different backgrounds come together to enjoy and learn about Chinese culture was rewarding. The volunteering experience strengthened my teamwork and communication skills while deepening my appreciation for how cultural events can promote inclusivity and genuine community engagement.

The Burrell Collection, nestled within the picturesque Pollock Country Park, is one of Glasgow’s most distinctive museums. It not only showcases art from around the world but also provides a space for the community to engage in cultural activities and learning. During my internship at the Ricefield Arts Centre, I had the opportunity to participate in organizing and supporting several cultural workshops at the Burrell Collection. This experience gave me a profound understanding of how art and culture can connect people from diverse backgrounds.

One of the activities we organized was storytelling. In these activities, we shared traditional Chinese stories with visitors. These stories introduced themes from Chinese culture such as good fortune, family values, and traditional beliefs. As a volunteer, my role was to help explain the stories, interact with participants, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I found that storytelling helps break down cultural barriers because stories are universally understood and appreciated, transcending language and background limitations.

Another popular activity was making auspicious horses. This craft activity was inspired by traditional Chinese cultural symbols. Participants used simple materials to create decorative horses symbolizing good luck and happiness. Many families and children found this activity particularly engaging. I guided participants through the process and explained the cultural meanings behind the symbols. Seeing everyone create their own auspicious horses by hand was incredibly gratifying, as it demonstrated how learning can occur through creativity and participation.

We also organized a Chinese calligraphy workshop. In the workshop, participants learned how to hold a brush and practice writing basic Chinese characters. For many visitors, it was their first experience with Chinese calligraphy. I assisted in demonstrating brush techniques and explaining the meanings of some simple characters. Participants were often surprised by the relaxation and sense of expression this activity provided. Calligraphy served as a bridge, allowing people to appreciate the Chinese art tradition in a very direct way.

From this experience, I realized the important role museums can play in community engagement. The Burrell Collection is not only a place for people to appreciate art but also a place for them to actively participate in cultural learning. Through its collaboration with the Rice Paddy Art Center, these workshops create opportunities for people to experience Chinese culture in an interactive and friendly way.

Personally, volunteering at the Burrell Collection helped me improve my communication and organizational skills. I learned how to clearly articulate cultural concepts, how to support participants in activities, and how to collaborate with others to organize community events. Most importantly, this experience taught me how art and culture can foster connections between communities and enhance mutual understanding.

On 28 February, as an intern at Ricefield Chinese Arts and Cultural Centre, I took part in a Chinese New Year celebration event held at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. The event attracted many local families and provided a variety of fun and interactive activities, allowing participants to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

At 11 a.m., staff members and more than ten volunteers arrived at Kelvin Hall to begin preparing for the event. Together we set up the space, arranged tables and chairs, organised materials, and prepared different activity stations. The venue was divided into several interactive areas, including traditional Chinese games such as Cuju (ancient Chinese football) and shuttlecock kicking, children’s craft activities, a calligraphy tattoo station, and a Chinese dance performance area. Through teamwork, we quickly transformed the space into a lively and festive environment, filled with colourful decorations and various Chinese cultural elements.

During the event, I was mainly responsible for the calligraphy tattoo station. Many children and parents came over to try having their names written in Chinese. I first helped translate or choose an appropriate Chinese name based on their English name, then carefully wrote it on their hand using an eyeliner pen, and finally applied a washable tattoo sticker. Seeing their names turn into Chinese, many children felt very novel and happy, and some even excitedly showed their Chinese names to their families. Some adults were also curious and asked how their names would be pronounced in Chinese.

The event ran from midday until 3 p.m., and the atmosphere remained lively throughout. Many local families brought their children to take part in the activities. Children moved between different stations, trying various experiences. Some practised kicking shuttlecocks, some focused on making crafts, while others picked up colourful dance ribbons and imitated the movements of Chinese dancers in the performance area, freely dancing and playing. Volunteers actively engaged with participants, introduced the activities, and helped children complete their creations. The entire venue was filled with laughter and a joyful festive spirit.

Through this event, I not only witnessed the strong interest that the local community has in Chinese culture, but also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural exchange. Being able to use my language and cultural background to help them learn more about China gave me a strong sense of involvement and achievement.

The Chinese New Year celebration at Kelvin Hall was not only a lively festive event but also a warm and meaningful cultural exchange experience. I was very glad to be part of it. Through my small contribution, I felt that I was helping to promote mutual understanding and communication between different cultures. At the same time, the experience allowed me to appreciate the importance of organising cultural events and encouraging public participation.

Christmas is approaching, and the first thing to change in the community isn’t the weather, but the expressions on people’s faces. Colourful lights are hung up, hand-cut snowflakes adorn windows, and the once quiet streets gradually come alive. And I, too, spent an important part of my community internship in this festive atmosphere.

圣诞节即将临近，社区里最先发生变化的并不是天气，而是人们的表情。社区附近挂起了彩灯，玻璃窗上贴着手工剪出的雪花，原本安静的街道逐渐热闹起来。而我，也在这样的节日氛围中，度过了自己社区实习的一段重要时光。

My internship at Ricefield Art Community allowed me to participate so closely in the daily operations of a community for the first time. Contrary to my expectations, community work isn’t as dramatic as I imagined; it’s more about the small, continuous efforts. Organising event materials, setting up venues, and recording feedback—these seemingly small tasks collectively support the smooth functioning of the community.

在Ricefield Art社区实习让我第一次如此近距离地参与社区的日常运作。与想象中不同，社区工作并没有那么轰轰烈烈，更多是琐碎而持续的付出。整理活动物资、布置场地、记录反馈，这些看似微小的任务，却共同支撑起社区的正常运转。

In the process of preparing for Christmas activities, I gradually understood the meaning of community work. The residents participating in the activities come from diverse ages and backgrounds; for them, community events are an opportunity to be seen, invited, and connected. As an intern, my role was small, but I genuinely participated in this connection. A patient explanation, an event poster, a simple act of companionship—all these can make the community space feel more welcoming.

在筹备圣诞活动的过程中，我逐渐理解了社区工作的意义。参与活动的居民年龄、背景各不相同，对他们而言，社区活动更是一次被看见、被邀请、被连接的机会。而作为实习生，我的角色虽小，却真实地参与了这种连接的发生。一次耐心的解释、一张活动海报、一次简单的陪伴，都可能让社区空间变得更加亲近。

Before Christmas, Ricefield Arts hosted a Christmas dinner, and the air was filled with the aroma of food. I often couldn’t help but stop and observe. Everyone’s face radiated the happiness and anticipation of the upcoming Christmas. At that moment, I suddenly realised that community is not an abstract concept, but rather composed of concrete individuals and real interactions. The holidays make this connection more visible and strengthen the emotional bond between us and other community members.

在圣诞节之前，Ricefield Arts举办了圣诞聚餐活动，路上街道的空气中飘着食物的香味。我时常忍不住停下来观察这一切。每个人的脸上都洋溢着圣诞即将到来的幸福与期待。那一刻，我突然意识到，社区并不是一个抽象的概念，而是由一个个具体的人、一次次真实的互动组成的。节日让这种联系变得更加可见，也让我们和其他社区成员增进了情感上的重量。

This Christmas, I interned with my community internship, which lacked elaborate ceremonies but was filled with genuine warmth. For me, it was both a holiday memory and a learning experience about responsibility, connection, and growth.

这个与社区实习相伴的圣诞节，没有华丽的仪式，却充满了真实的温度。对我来说，它既是节日的记忆，也是一次关于责任、连接与成长的学习经历。

This Halloween, Ricefield Arts presented The Painted Skin, a short stage adaptation inspired by Pu Songling’s classic ghost tale.

Reimagined for a contemporary audience, the play explored the thin line between love and illusion, temptation and truth that all through the haunting lens of Chinese folklore.

Performed by an ensemble of young actors, The Painted Skin brought together elements of mystery, humour, and emotion.

Over fifteen minutes, the story unfolded through four characters: Wang Sheng, torn between desire and loyalty; Hongye, the seductive spirit behind the painted skin; Liu Shuang, a woman who learns to face both heartbreak and transformation; and the Taoist, whose wit and wisdom bridge the human and the supernatural worlds.

Despite minimal props and lighting, the performance filled the stage with atmosphere — shifting scenes through colour, sound, and movement rather than set changes.

The audience was drawn into an eerie, dreamlike space that felt both ancient and immediate.

The production was developed as part of Ricefield Arts’ Theatre Project, which aims to support new creative voices and introduce East Asian stories to Scottish audiences.

We were delighted to once again collaborate with the Britannia Panopticon, one of Glasgow’s most iconic and historic theatres, where we have had the pleasure of staging several performances in the past. Its unique charm and intimate setting provided the perfect backdrop for this haunting tale.

From rehearsals in our small studio to stepping onto the Panopticon stage, the team worked with dedication, laughter, and curiosity. We’re proud that the performance was met with such warmth and enthusiasm, a testament to the creativity and hard work of everyone involved.

Special thanks to our cast, production team and the Panopticon team for their collaboration and care.

The Painted Skin was not only a performance, but also a dialogue between cultures, between the living and the spirit world, between fear and empathy.

We’re grateful to have shared it with our audience this Halloween — and we look forward to more stories that bridge worlds. ✨

We are delighted to share some exciting news from the SAMEE (Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators) Awards 2025! Ricefield Arts and Cultural Centre has been honoured with a Commendation for the Social Citizenship Award.

The SAMEE Awards celebrate organisations and individuals who are making a meaningful difference in their communities. To be recognised in this way is a tremendous encouragement for our team and a reflection of the positive impact our projects have had in promoting cultural understanding, creativity, and community connection.

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The award ceremony was a truly inspiring evening, filled with outstanding organisations and passionate individuals, each dedicated to creating change in their own unique way. We were humbled to be among such amazing company and to learn more about the breadth of work happening across Scotland.

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The award ceremony was a truly inspiring evening, filled with outstanding organisations and passionate individuals, each dedicated to creating change in their own unique way. We were humbled to be among such amazing company and to learn more about the breadth of work happening across Scotland.

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We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organisers of the SAMEE Awards, the judging panel, and all those who continue to support our mission. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. We are proud to be part of such a vibrant and committed community!

As summer reaches full bloom, we recently marked a meaningful moment at Ricefield Arts – the final workshop led by our intern Qianyu, part of her year-long creative project “Four Seasons of China.”

Over the past academic year, Qianyu has worked with us as part of her placement, designing and delivering a series of workshops that reflect the beauty and traditions of Chinese seasonal culture. Her final session – a tote bag painting workshop themed around orchids, one of the “Four Gentlemen” in traditional Chinese art – was a perfect conclusion to this journey.

The event welcomed a full house of enthusiastic participants, each eager to try their hand at painting delicate orchid motifs onto their own fabric tote bags. Guided by Qianyu, the workshop combined hands-on creativity with cultural storytelling, introducing participants to the symbolism and elegance of orchids in Chinese painting and philosophy.

The atmosphere was joyful and focused, and feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many shared how inspired they felt by the opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture through such a tactile and enjoyable experience.

This final workshop was not only a celebration of art, but also of Qianyu’s contribution over the past year. Her passion, creativity, and commitment to sharing Chinese culture have been deeply appreciated by our team and community.

We wish her all the very best in her next chapter and look forward to seeing how she continues to bring culture and creativity into the world. Thank you, Qianyu – and congratulations on a wonderful year!

Last week, the Ricefield Arts team had the honour of attending the official launch of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 in Glasgow. The event marked the beginning of a month-long celebration of community, resilience and creativity — and gave a wonderful glimpse into the vibrant programme ahead.

Hosted by the Scottish Refugee Council, the launch brought together artists, community organisers, supporters, and partners from across the country. Against the backdrop of inspiring performances, personal stories and shared aspirations, we were reminded of the powerful role arts and culture play in building inclusive communities and amplifying unheard voices.

This year’s festival theme, Milestones, feels especially meaningful. It speaks to both personal journeys and collective progress — a fitting message for a festival that has brought people together for 25 years. At Ricefield Arts, we are proud to contribute to that journey through cultural exchange, creativity and community engagement.

As a long-standing community arts organisation with deep connections to Glasgow’s Chinese diaspora, we look forward to sharing stories, crafts and traditions that reflect both heritage and hope. We’re especially excited to host our own Refugee Festival event on Saturday, 21 June, featuring:

A cultural exhibition showcasing Ricefield’s work and connection with refugee communities

Performances of traditional Chinese music, dance and song

Interactive workshops including ink painting, calligraphy and nature printing

The event will take place at Garnethill Multicultural Centre and is open to all. Everyone is welcome to celebrate, create and connect.

Thank you to the Scottish Refugee Council for bringing this festival to life each year — and for reminding us of the strength that comes from sharing culture, art and kindness. We can’t wait to be a part of the celebration!

Follow us on social media for full event details coming soon!

On September 28th 2024, our Ricefield volunteers embarked on a memorable educational trip to Whitelee Windfarm and Calderglen Zoo. We set off from Partick in a cosy minivan, with a lively atmosphere inside as we caught up with each other and shared stories about recent life and adventures. The excitement was palpable as we journeyed toward our first destination, Whitelee Windfarm.

When we arrived at Whitelee, the sky was overcast with a light drizzle, but it did nothing to dampen our spirits. The imposing sight of the turbines against the misty landscape only heightened our anticipation. After a warm welcome from the staff, we boarded a bus to begin our guided tour of the site. Our driver, who doubled as an enthusiastic guide, shared fascinating insights about Whitelee, the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. With 215 towering turbines, the site generates up to 539 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 350,000 homes. We were captivated, listening intently to how this clean energy marvel operates. Along the way, we stopped to step off the bus, standing beneath the impressive turbines, feeling dwarfed by their scale as we captured the breathtaking views in photos.

Back at the visitor centre, we took part in an engaging, hands-on session about wind power. Guided by one of the staff members, we donned goggles and used fans to simulate wind, experimenting with different blade shapes and using voltmeters to explore what makes turbines operate effectively. It was a thrilling blend of science and fun, allowing us to appreciate the intricacies of renewable energy technology. This hands-on experience left us feeling inspired and gave us a real sense of connection to the power of wind energy. Afterwards, we gathered for a delicious and much-anticipated lunch, where laughter and lively conversation flowed freely as we shared our impressions of the tour so far.

Refreshed and ready for more, we continued our adventure to Calderglen Zoo. The zoo visit was self-guided but came with an exciting mission: to take photos of the animals, especially capturing moments of interaction between animals and people. We roamed around, visiting a variety of animals and even encountering some critically endangered species, like the elusive Scottish Wildcat. Each encounter was a moment to learn and connect with the beauty of wildlife, and our cameras clicked constantly as we captured the adorable, fascinating creatures.

The day concluded with a relaxed tea time, where we reviewed our photos and each chose three favourites for a lighthearted photo competition. After voting, the winning shots were celebrated, and the photographers received special prizes, which added an extra touch of joy to our day.

As we finally gathered to say goodbye, we left with full hearts, countless photos, and memories that will last a lifetime. This shared experience brought us closer as a group, and we eagerly look forward to our next adventure together, excited to see where the road takes us.

Hello, my name is Jingwei, I joined Ricefield Arts in October 2023 as a placement, and I have been involved in and supported many activities with the promotion of traditional Chinese culture.

On the 10th of February, we had a wonderful Chinese New Year celebration at Flemington House in partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow and Interfaith Scotland. This was the first time I had been part of an event of this size and was tasked with managing the playback of the music equipment.

During the celebration, we were treated to many traditional Chinese arts, including Sichuan Opera Face Changing, Long Silk Dance, Peking Opera and Yangqin performance, which enabled the audience not only to enjoy these wonderful performances but also to appreciate the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

On the 11th of February, we travelled to the Chinese New Year celebration supported by Ricefield Arts in Perth. At 9.30 am, members of the organization and six volunteers met downstairs at the office to begin the much-anticipated journey.

Upon arrival in Perth, we set up the exhibition hall as planned. One of the volunteers and I were responsible for making Year of the Dragon bookmarks and preparing red cardboard, Chinese toasts and dragon stickers. During the making process, we introduced the participants to the verbal expressions and meanings of the Chinese style wishes. Children and parents actively participated in learning the meanings of each word, which was warmly welcomed.

At the Calligraphy booth, volunteers taught participants how to hold a pen and write the Chinese character for FU “福”.

At the Chopsticks Challenge booth, three shapes of objects were designed and the challengers had to pick them up with chopsticks and put them back on the tray. Those who completed the challenge were awarded fortune biscuits.

We also ran a merchandise stall selling traditional Chinese crafts such as Chinese knots, face paint and kites. Everyone was curious about these items and bought them or gave them as gifts to their friends.

On February 17th, our Chinese New Year Welcome Event took place at Kelvin Hall. Given its magnitude, we enlisted the support of over 10 volunteers. We convened in the meeting room to introduce ourselves.

At the entrance of the hall, we built a wishing tree and invited participants to share their hopes and wishes for the coming year. In the Chinese costume exhibition area, children took photos of traditional Chinese costumes against a themed backdrop.

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During the tea ceremony, our knowledgeable volunteers led a tea-tasting session, introducing Chinese tea culture while everyone enjoyed their tea.

My task was to design a handheld pendant for the Year of the Dragon. Since this is the Year of the Dragon, it was crucial to capture the mysterious and intricate characteristics of the mythical creature, the dragon. In addition, we incorporated other typical Chinese elements such as pandas, temples and fortune cats. To cater for both children and adults, I chose stencil carving to provide them with a diverse selection of artefacts. With creative colouring and tassel decoration, the pendants are lifelike and charming.

In addition, we set up three sticker punch points at the Chopsticks Challenge, Shuttlecock Game and Library. Participants could earn stickers by completing tasks at each station and collect rewards by completing sticker collection at the end of the library.

The day ended with a sense of achievement and joy shared by all participants!

On February 18th, Ricefield Arts’ culminating Chinese New Year celebration commenced at the Burrell Collection, featuring an array of engaging events scattered throughout the museum, with dedicated volunteers guiding attendees through various activities.

Our dance teachers orchestrated two mesmerising Chinese dance performances showcasing carefully choreographed steps and a vibrant satin dance class which attracted a large number of students.

In addition, we organised two engaging storytelling sessions that delved into the symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac and the New Year animal “年兽”.

During this event, I also acted as a calligraphy instructor, teaching calligraphy skills and guiding participants in handwriting simple numbers and Chinese names. It was very moving to see the participants, including those well-versed in Chinese culture, seriously tackling the challenge of mastering traditional characters.

In February 2024, I had the privilege of interning at four Ricefield Arts locations for their Chinese New Year celebrations. From making connections with new volunteers to engaging with participants from different cultural backgrounds, I have fond memories of each experience. These opportunities not only sharpened my communication skills but also taught me the importance of effectively executing tasks and maintaining high standards in large-scale event management – a challenge I had never encountered before. Reflecting on these experiences, I am eagerly looking forward to making meaningful contributions to promoting Chinese culture at the Ricefield Arts in the future.