Eight Artist-Led Workshops
Hands-on sessions introduce participants to traditional and contemporary forms of Chinese art.
Festival Overview
2027 Ottawa Chinese Cultural & Arts Festival
The festival celebrates the Year of the Goat/Sheep through Chinese art, creative learning, and meaningful community connection.
From November 2026 through February 2027, the program brings together artists, educators, young people, families, and community organizations for workshops, exhibitions, performances, and cultural exchange.
- Festival: November 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027
- Main Festival: Saturday, January 23, 2027
- Main Venue: Notre Dame High School, Ottawa
- Organizer: Canadian-Chinese Cross Culture Club (4C CLUB)
Community Art Showcases
Public presentations bring festival work into the community and create spaces for exchange.
Main Public Festival
A full day of exhibitions, performances, demonstrations, and family-friendly cultural activities.
Three Sheep Bring Good Fortune | Meaning
Spirit of the Zodiac: Year of the Goat/Sheep
The traditional expression “Three Sheep Bring Good Fortune” conveys renewal, peace, prosperity, and the arrival of positive energy. The goat or sheep is also associated with gentleness, creativity, compassion, and harmony.
These values shape the festival's approach: honouring cultural heritage while encouraging new ideas, artistic discovery, and community participation across generations.
Festival Introduction
The 2027 Ottawa Chinese Cultural & Arts Festival is a multi-month celebration of Chinese culture and the arts. It offers accessible opportunities to experience visual art, calligraphy, music, dance, literature, handcrafts, and emerging forms of digital creativity.
By connecting artists with schools, families, seniors, youth, and community partners, the festival supports cultural understanding and gives participants a welcoming place to learn, create, and share.
Yongzhong Qu Calligraphy Exhibition & Charity Art Sale
The festival begins with a special calligraphy exhibition and charity art sale featuring Master Qu Yongzhong.
This cultural prelude combines artistic appreciation, live calligraphy, poetry recitation, traditional music, and community giving. It also celebrates Master Qu's United Nations Artistic Achievement honorary title.
Proceeds from the charity auction of calligraphy works will support Ottawa Chinese Language School, a registered charity.
Eight Artist-Led Workshops
Each workshop offers an approachable introduction to an artistic discipline, guided by experienced artists and educators. Activities are designed to encourage participation, cultural learning, and creative confidence.
Chinese Painting & Visual Arts
Explore brushwork, composition, colour, and the expressive language of Chinese painting.
Traditional Paper-Cutting
Discover folk symbols and transform paper into intricate designs through traditional cutting techniques.
Digital & AI-Assisted Art
Experiment with digital tools and responsible AI-assisted methods as new partners in artistic creation.
Poetry & Creative Writing
Develop imagery, voice, and storytelling through Chinese and cross-cultural literary traditions.
Traditional Handcrafts & Creative Design
Learn how familiar materials and heritage techniques can inspire contemporary design.
Chinese Dance & Movement Arts
Experience rhythm, gesture, posture, and the expressive storytelling of Chinese dance.
Chinese Opera & Music
Meet the sound, movement, character, and performance traditions of Chinese opera and music.
Chinese Calligraphy
Practice the balance, rhythm, structure, and spirit of Chinese characters with brush and ink.
Proposed Workshop Schedule
| Date | Workshop | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 8, 2026 | Chinese Painting & Visual Arts | 76 Larkin Drive |
| November 22, 2026 | Traditional Paper-Cutting | To Be Confirmed |
| December 6, 2026 | Digital & AI-Assisted Art | 76 Larkin Drive |
| December 12, 2026 | Poetry & Creative Writing | To Be Confirmed |
| December 20, 2026 | Traditional Handcrafts & Creative Design | 76 Larkin Drive |
| January 9, 2027 | Chinese Dance & Movement Arts | To Be Confirmed |
| February 6, 2027 | Chinese Opera & Music | To Be Confirmed |
| February 14, 2027 | Chinese Calligraphy | 76 Larkin Drive |
Workshop dates and locations are proposed and may be adjusted. Please follow 4C Club announcements for registration details and updates.
Community Art Showcases
Youth and Family Showcase
Workshop creations and youth artwork will be presented in an inviting community setting, giving young participants an opportunity to share their ideas and cultural discoveries.
Intergenerational Community Showcase
Artists, families, and community members will meet through exhibitions and demonstrations that encourage conversation between generations and cultures.
Main Public Festival | January 23, 2027
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Notre Dame High School, Ottawa
A welcoming public celebration for families, artists, students, educators, and the wider community.
Art Exhibitions
View calligraphy, painting, handcrafts, digital work, and creations developed during the festival workshops.
Live Performances
Enjoy Chinese music, dance, opera, poetry, and other performances that connect heritage with contemporary expression.
Artist Demonstrations
Meet artists and observe creative processes through demonstrations, conversation, and hands-on cultural experiences.
Community Connections
Discover local organizations, connect with neighbours, and celebrate Ottawa's diverse cultural community.
Join the Festival
Artists, volunteers, community partners, families, and learners of all ages are invited to take part in the festival.
Festival Information: November 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027
Organizer: Canadian-Chinese Cross Culture Club (4C CLUB) | 加华文化教育中心