Duke Kunshan University staged a nine-day showcase this month of the artistic talent and creativity that runs through campus and beyond.
The Arts and Music Festival 2023 featured street-dancing flash mobs, improvisation theater, interactive art projects, jazz workshops, a symphony orchestra, conceptual performances, full-costume musicals, photography exhibitions, plaster sculpture, guest artists and much more.
Hosted by Duke Kunshan Arts and themed “Beyond the Borders”, the event running from April 8-16 was the first edition of the festival to be fully held in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many previous years’ activities online.
Festival organizer Fannings Chen from Campus Engagement said hundreds of students, faculty and staff enjoyed the wide range of performances, talks and displays held across campus.
“Students learned the craft of animation, improv theatre, jazz improvisation, sculpturing and more through workshops and artist talks hosted by special guest speakers,” she said.
“They had the chance to improve their understanding of the arts while cultivating their artistic sense by viewing week-long art exhibitions and interacting with artists.”
Among the many Duke Kunshan groups taking part were the DKU Choir, Art Lab, DKU Athletics, DKU Orchestra and the Kunqu, street dance, model, musical, Chinese dance and folk music clubs.
Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, Fudan Musical Club and Tianjin Juilliard School were among the external organizations performing on campus, as well as students from Wuhan, SuChow, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool and other universities.
Photos: Ann Tong and Kate Long
