🟨 Stories of Objects: From China to Oxford

Community Cultural Engagement at the Museum of Oxford
February 25, 2025

On February 25, 2025, the Museum of Oxford partnered with Muzim–Art4Connect to present a deeply moving community cultural event: "Stories of Objects: From China to Oxford."

Over the course of two powerful hours, more than 20 participants brought in cherished personal objects from China — each holding a story of memory, family, migration, or identity. One by one, community members stood and shared the heartfelt journeys behind their objects, creating a collective moment of reflection, pride, and cultural connection.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford was in full attendance, listening attentively to every story and delivering a warm and encouraging speech. As a gesture of inspiration, our team presented a carved wooden teapot purchased during fieldwork in Jianchuan, Yunnan — a piece that represents our enduring commitment to public engagement through cultural research and storytelling.

This event marked both:

• A highlight of the Museum of Oxford’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, and

• The first session of Muzim–Art4Connect’s 2025 “Museum Dialogues” series.

Importantly, the stories shared today will be preserved as part of the museum’s official oral history collection, ensuring that the lived experiences and cultural heritage of Oxford’s Chinese community are permanently recorded in the city’s historical memory.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all participants, the Museum of Oxford, the Lord Mayor, volunteer translators, and event photographers. Thank you for making this event unforgettable.

past events

🟨 Ashmolean Museum One World Family Festival — A Celebration of Chinese Culture

February 22–23, 2025

The Oxford Chinese community took center stage at the Ashmolean Museum’s One World Family Festival, bringing an unforgettable showcase of Chinese culture through four featured programs:

• MUZIM Youth Forum on Museum Collections

• Chinese Heritage Fashion Show

• Highlights of Traditional Chinese Dance

• A Reenactment of the Ancient Coming-of-Age Ceremony

As the official cultural partner of the Ashmolean Museum for this festival, Muzim–Art4Connect was responsible for designing and providing the four community-centered events, serving as the main coordinating organization behind this vibrant celebration.

More than 200 culture and arts enthusiasts participated in the preparation and performances, creating a heartfelt cultural experience that became one of the festival’s most memorable highlights.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Ashmolean Museum for their support, and to all performers, volunteers, and community friends from Oxford and beyond who contributed their passion and energy!

From the graceful melodies of Chinese music echoing through the museum halls, to the solemn revival of Zhou Dynasty rituals, to the confident voices of children presenting their research in the Chinese Gallery — the event was filled with moments of deep pride and emotional connection. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who continues to champion the sharing of Chinese culture with the world.

🟨 The Voice of History — Stories of Community Guides

Special Cultural Engagement Event by Art4Connect
December 17, 2025

Organized by Art4Connect and supported by the Eastern Art Research Centre at the Ashmolean Museum, this special event titled "The Voice of History — Stories of Community Guides” took place inside the museum's Eastern Art Study Room.

During the event, five beloved community guides shared their personal journeys and reflections on cultural interpretation. Their stories were met with enthusiasm from invited guests, who also expressed their own thoughts on cultural participation and engagement.

As a highlight of the event, the Eastern Art Research Centre presented a rare viewing of selected masterpieces from its Chinese painting and calligraphy collections, including:

• Riding a Donkey by Huang Shen (a key figure of the “Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou”)

• Green Mountains by Qi Baishi, created at the age of 89

• Suzhou Canal by Wu Guanzhong

• Waterfall by Fu Baoshi

• Calligraphy by Wu Zuoren

• Flower-and-bird-themed calligraphy by Cheng Shifa

• A contemporary work by Indian-Chinese calligrapher Katy Talati

This intimate showcase offered participants a rare opportunity to experience the essence of Chinese ink art up close. After the sharing session, guests were further invited to appreciate these treasures in an open viewing session.

This event marked the first edition of the “Museum Dialogues” series by Art4Connect — a program dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and community engagement through museum-based art experiences.

We thank our Oxford community participants for their enthusiastic support and look forward to welcoming you back for Museum Dialogues: Session Two in the near future!

Special Lecture for Young Minds
How to Conduct My First Collection Research

September 14, 2024

As part of the Dragons of the World: Youth & Children Creative Exploration of Museum Artifacts Project, Muzim hosted a special lecture to guide young researchers in completing their project findings. Mr. Benny Shen, a Cambridge PhD scholar in archaeology and anthropology, shared his expertise, providing invaluable insights to the young participants. His engaging session inspired curiosity and deepened understanding, helping young explorers prepare for their final research submissions.

Dragons of the World: Adventure in the Bodleian Library’s Chinese Collections

June 14, 2024

Supported by Muzim, the Bodleian Library hosted a special event for the Chinese community in Oxford, offering a rare opportunity to explore its unique collection of dragon-themed artifacts. This event included a guided viewing of these fascinating objects, followed by a mini-lecture tailored for children, teaching them how to research historical artifacts. The event fostered cultural enrichment, community engagement, and educational outreach, creating an enriching experience for both children and adults.

Dragons Quest at the Ashmolean Museum

April 4, 2024

Supported by Ashmolean Museum, this event brought members of the Chinese community, including children, to the Ashmolean Museum to explore dragon-shaped objects from China and around the world. Participants learned about the history and cultural stories behind these artifacts in both the Study Room and exhibition gallery. The children also completed worksheets afterward to reinforce what they had discovered.

Classifying Mythical Creatures at the Linnean Society

March 26, 2024

Supported by the Linnean Society, sixteen curious children visited the Linnean Society to learn how to classify mythical creatures. They discovered a 1658 book with over 10 pages dedicated to dragons! The visit included a mini-lecture and games, blending learning with fun.

Dragon Boat Festival Celebration at the Ashmolean Museum

June 10, 2024

Supported by the Ashmolean Museum, this vibrant celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival brought the Chinese community together for a day of cultural exploration. Participants enjoyed engaging workshops, a guided tour, insightful talks. A special “Dragons in Ashmolean” tour, led by community guides, showcased dragon-themed artifacts. It was a unique event, blending tradition, creativity, and connection for all attendees.

Dragons of the World: Vienna Adventure

February 12-17, 2024

Ten families, including 17 children, embarked on an exciting journey to Vienna, exploring museums, galleries, and international organizations in search of dragon-related artifacts. This adventure uncovered fascinating dragons while diving into the history, culture, and values behind them, marking the launch of the Dragons of the World project.