When Chinese culture meets Danish fairytales(2)

IDEAS EXCHANGE

The cultural center, a non-profit institution, will be used as a library, for exhibitions, concerts and education, Li said.

"The Chinese cultural center has three main functions. First of all, it will be an information center with a library that contains all kinds of information about China. If Danes want to get to know China without going abroad, the Chinese culture center will be the first choice."

"It will also be served as a platform for cultural activities such as concerts, lectures, seminars and exhibitions. Last but not least, it will be a training facility. Like many other culture centers have language classes, this center will also offer Chinese language education, calligraphy, Chinese painting, and so on," Li explained.

He said the center will function based on the local situation and actual needs. "As long as there is demand from the public, we will try our best to fulfill the need," he said confidently.

Apart from showcasing Chinese culture and history, the center will also promote Chinese contemporary art and the achievements of contemporary culture development.

"Chinese contemporary art has attracted a lot of attention. In order to find more in common, we will also show contemporary artistic achievement to promote dialogue among civilizations. We are open to all kinds of Chinese art as long as it is good and useful for the Chinese people and our mutual relationship," said Li, referring to the focus and direction of the center's future work.

Besides, the cultural center will focus on activities that promote ideas exchange and cultural fusion. Li said: "The collision of different ideas usually enable us to learn from each other, and often lead to further understanding, trust, and strengthening friendship."

OPTIMISTIC PERSPECTIVE

According to the bilateral agreement, a Danish Culture Center will also soon be established in Beijing. Moreover, Denmark is also planning to launch Danish culture season all over China from October 2014 to May 2015, which will be the largest culture events to date Denmark has organized overseas.

"Chinese are truly interested about sharing their culture. I was, therefore, pleased to sign an agreement with the Chinese Minister of Culture on Dec. 5 last year, when we agreed to strengthen relations," said Marianne Jelved, Denmark's Minister of Culture, in comments made to Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende.

"We must see China's purchase of the old Academy of Music as a tribute to Denmark ... and this will indeed strengthen ties," she added.

From the Danish government to the society, everyone welcomes the Chinese cultural center, Jelved added.

"I think it is interesting that a state with almost 1.4 billion population will place a cultural center in a small country of only five million inhabitants. It is entirely due to Hans Christian Andersen, who the Chinese love, linking the two worlds together," she said.

Counselor Li has full faith in the future cultural exchange and development between China and Denmark.

"The culture center will supply new vitality to Sino-Danish relations, and bilateral ties will be upgraded. There will be more frequent and in-depth culture communication after both centers are up and running. They will play a significant role in facilitating the strategic partnership between the two countries. Nowadays, culture communication, mutual understanding and respect are vital to international relations," Li said.