“The Harmony of Hubei in Colors” — Art Exchange Exhibition of the Hubei Provincial Academy of Fine Arts Grandly Opens at the Christchurch Art Centre.

Written by: Chen Renyu

Photography by: Wang Bin, Wang Pingzhu

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Sister-City Relations between Wuhan and Christchurch, Ushering in a New Chapter of Cultural Exchange between China and New Zealand.

On the evening of July 29, 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Christchurch, New Zealand, the “Harmony of Hubei in Colors – Art Exchange Exhibition of the Hubei Provincial Academy of Fine Arts” was grandly opened at the Christchurch Arts Centre. Hosted by the Hubei Provincial Academy of Fine Arts and co-organized by the Everyone is an Artist Foundation and the New Zealand–China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the exhibition serves not only as a splendid artistic celebration but also as a significant event to strengthen the bond of friendship and deepen cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.

That evening, the exhibition hall was filled with guests, creating a vibrant artistic atmosphere. The event, held in the main gallery on the second floor of the Arts Centre, attracted a distinguished gathering from the political, artistic, and Chinese community circles.

Consul General He Ying posed for a group photo with the organizers and participating artists.

On-site Calligraphy and Painting Session at the Exhibition.

Ms. He Ying, Consul General of China in Christchurch, personally attended the exhibition and delivered a speech. She highly praised the exhibition’s positive role in promoting cultural exchange between China and New Zealand and lauded the fruitful outcomes of China–New Zealand friendship fostered in Wuhan, Hubei. She expressed hope that the two countries’ art communities will continue to deepen collaboration in the future, jointly creating more outstanding artworks that reflect both nations’ friendship and the spirit of the times.

Speech by Ms. He Ying, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Christchurch.

Mr. Li Heqing, head of the Hubei Provincial Academy of Fine Arts Cultural Exchange Delegation, reflected in his speech on the Academy’s sixty-year history and artistic achievements, and expressed special gratitude to the New Zealand hosts for their warm invitation. He emphasized that the exhibition is not only an artistic presentation but also an opportunity for in-depth cultural exchange, expressing hope for closer and sustained collaboration with the Christchurch art community in the future. He also extended his sincere greetings and best wishes to the Chinese diaspora residing in New Zealand.

Speech by Mr. Li Heqing, First-Class Artist of the Hubei Provincial Academy of Fine Arts.

As a key cultural platform in New Zealand, the Everyone is an Artist Foundation played a central role in organizing and promoting the exhibition, in collaboration with the New Zealand–China Federation of Literary and Art Circles. In his opening speech, Mr. Lu Yi, Chairman of the Foundation, stated that art serves as a bridge across nations and a bond between people. The Foundation has long been committed to building a platform for multicultural coexistence and will continue to connect communities across Asia and New Zealand to promote more high-quality international art exchange projects in the future.

Speech by Mr. Lu Yi, Chairman of the Everyone is an Artist Foundation, New Zealand.

Mr. Chen Renyu, Director of the Art Committee of the New Zealand–China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, also delivered a speech, congratulating the successful opening of the exhibition and expressing his confidence and anticipation for the future of cultural cooperation between China and New Zealand.

Speech by Mr. Chen Renyu, Director of the Art Committee of the New Zealand–China Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

After the opening ceremony, representatives from the three parties held a roundtable discussion to engage in in-depth exchanges on further collaboration in the field of arts and culture, preliminarily reaching several cooperative intentions. In addition, an on-site impromptu calligraphy session was held, during which Mr. Li Heqing personally created calligraphy works for the audience and presented them to friends in Christchurch. The warm and lively atmosphere, accompanied by continuous applause, showcased the unique charm of Chinese calligraphy and painting while further strengthening the emotional bond between the peoples of China and New Zealand.

Representatives of the Hubei Provincial Academy of Fine Arts engaged in cordial exchanges with representatives from the Everyone is an Artist Foundation and the New Zealand–China Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

More Moments from the Event:

Ms. Li Lina, Host of the Art Exchange Exhibition.

Oil paintings created by Mr. Chen Renyu.

Calligraphy works created by Mr. Ma Zhenyi.

Mr. Chi Weinian (right) and his artwork.