A community arts program aiming to exchange the arts and culture between the West Coast and the Fujian province in China has been a success.

Mr Chengjian Lyu, an award-winning Chinese artist, conducted masterclass workshops and visited schools in Rosebery and Queenstown.  West Coast Council provided some financial assistance to the organisers of the program under its Financial and In-Kind Assistance Policy.

“We are pleased to have supported this program,” Mayor Phil Vickers said whilst viewing the exhibition.  “What a fantastic opportunity it has been for our local artists and school children to have exposure to such an artist.”

As part of the program a West Coast artist will travel to the Fujian province in October to introduce West Coast art to the Fujian people. A pilot program, it is hoped the success of the exchange will result in future collaboration between art communities.

The exhibition is open at the Queenstown Memorial Hall from 5pm-8pm tonight and tomorrow (4September).