Cultural Programs

Confucius Institute offers classes incorporating traditional cultural activities, such as Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Painting for art enthusiasts. These classes are open to the general public. A series of cultural and wellbeing workshops can be offered face-to-face or online. All classes and workshops are open to the general public.

 

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY

A practical introduction to the art of the Chinese writing brush. Students will be introduced to the care and use of writing brushes, inkstones, inkblocks, and the paper - the four treasures of the scholar's studio.Students will learn how to write Chinese characters with a brush, beginning with simple exercises on brushstrokes and graduating to "standard script" (Kaishu) and other styles.

No previous knowledge of Chinese is necessary. The subject would suit students learning Chinese at all levels, and people with an interest in Chinese art and culture.

 

CHINESE PAINTING

A practical introduction to the art of Chinese painting, using a writing brush. Students will be introduced to the care and use of writing brushes and other materials. They will learn the basics of brush techniques for painting, and will gain practice in painting the "impressionistic" (Xieyi) style. A range of important themes will be covered, such as birds, flowers, and landscapes.

No knowledge of Chinese or previous experience in Chinese painting is necessary. The subject would suit students learning about Chinese culture and people with an interest in Chinese art and culture.

 

2023 YEAR OF THE RABBIT CULTURAL WORKSHOPS

The Confucius Institute at the University of Melbourne proudly launches its annual Chinese New Year cultural workshop series to schools and local communities! The Lunar New Year in 2023 falls on 22 January. The workshops are specifically designed to celebrate the start of the Year of the Rabbit and give the participants a taste of Chinese culture and traditions. This event is for group registrations only. Click here for more information. There has often been a high demand of these workshops during this period. To secure your program, please make a booking at your earliest convenience.

Please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au or call 9035 8203.

 

CULTURAL AND WELLBEING WORKSHOPS

The Confucius Institute at UoM provides a variety of different cultural and wellbeing workshops to local healthcare centers, organizations, businesses, local libraries, and regional communities. Workshops are designed to facilitate understanding of Chinese culture, while also being fun and interactive. Upon request, CI staff deliver cultural and art workshops including:

  • Calligraphy
  • Traditional Brush Painting
  • Taichi
  • Chinese Paper-cutting
  • Chinese Knot-making
  • Chinese Lantern-making
  • Fan Colouring
  • Chinese Traditional Games
  • Traditional Chinese Costume Fitting

For further information, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au.

 

2024 Term Dates

Term 1 29 January - 5 April 11 March Labour Day; 29 March to 2 April Easter Holidays
Term 2 22 April - 28 June 25 April ANZAC Day; 10 June King's Birthday
Term 3 15 July - 20 September  
Term 4 7 October - 13 December 5 November Melbourne Cup

Please note classes will not run on public holidays but will be caught up later in the Term.

 

2024 TERM 1 ENROLMENTS 

  • Term 1 enrolments are open now. Please click here. View the timetable.         
  • Course cost is $380.00 per ten week term (15 hours), and includes GST, textbook and all course materials. A 10% discount is offered to returning Confucius Institute Students, University of Melbourne staff, students and alumni.
  • Please read our Enrolment Guidelines below before making payment.

For further information, please contact us at confucius-institute@unimelb.edu.au.

 

ENROLMENT GUIDELINES

  • Enrollments are for a 10 week course of lessons (the Institute cannot accept week-by-week payments).
  • Payments are requested prior to the commencement of the term; or after the trial lesson for new students. If payments are not received prior to the commencement of the term please note your place is not guaranteed.
  • Please note a late fee may apply to all course fees received after the first week of term. Refunds cannot be issued for withdrawals after the commencement of the term.
  • Refunds cannot be issued for missed classes.
  • Mid-term enrolments will be accepted on a case-by-case basis

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

For further information, please contact us (details as above).