CAC Research background
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BACKGROUND Dating back from the 1800's, the Chinese community is one of the oldest ethnic minorities in the UK. However the Chinese community is one of the least well known. The Black and Asian communities have already been well researched. However little is known about the Chinese. The Chinese are strongly associated with the catering industry, the majority of who do work within. This is due to an influx of immigrants mainly from the New Territories in Hong Kong in the 1960's. Most immigrants were non-professionals who arrived with basic or no English language skills at all. Even today, the Chinese community keep themselves to their own small community. Ask any non-Chinese what he or she knows about the Chinese in general, no doubt they'll reply "Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice" or "Chinese food is really tasty". At the most they will know that the "Chinese New Year is at a different time" to the western calendar or they may have been lucky enough to have seen a Lion Dance or participate in Kung fu. Starting with this research project, together with East Midland Arts and other bodies, China People Promotions will begin to change this "stereotyping". At present most Chinese Arts and Cultural activities in the country are limited to within Chinese Communities mainly in the big cities where larger larger Chinese communities live. The events always take place in the form of Chinese New Year celebrations and possibly the Moon Festival (Mid Autumn Festival). In comparison with London, Manchester, Birmingham and other cities in the country, there are few Chinese cultural activities in the East Midlands. We looked into the situation and met with Mukesh Barot the Cultural Diversity Officers at East Midlands Arts. Together with have diagnosed this cultural problems As China plays a more important role in the world there is a great deal of need for the general population at large to comprehend China and its history and to experience the richness of Chinese arts and Chinese culture. Chinese arts and culture are long due more recognition. As a result of this research we would like to ensure access for all people to Chinese arts and culture and to enable Chinese groups and individuals to take an active role. This is just the first project of many to help Chinese artists and organisations in the East Midlands region to promote Chinese arts, culture to the general public at large. |