New time, new location! Season eight of the television, radio, and internet program WorldCanvass will begin on Tuesday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m., in the newly-opened Voxman Music Building in downtown Iowa City. WorldCanvass guests will join host Joan Kjaer to discuss the controversial method of energy production known as fracking and its impact on the environment, social dynamics, and the economy. We’ll also explore through music, photography, and literature ways in which artists have documented transitions and grappled with the drumbeat of change. The public is invited to attend and no tickets are required. 

Interested in learning Taiji? Join the Confucius Institute for a free, five-week class! Learn how to enhance your overall health through increased flexibility, relaxation, and stress control. Practice fundamental Taiji movements under the instruction of Haiming Chen, an experienced Taiji trainer who has led classes in China, Japan, and the U.S. for more than 20 years.

Professor Burns Weston passed away in late October, 2015. His vision for the public understanding of human rights issues helped lay the foundation for the creation of the UI Center for Human Rights. Click here to hear him describe the origins of the Center.

On February 19th I attended the Mayor of Muscatine, Iowa’s Report to the Community on China Initiatives along with four other University of Iowa 100,000 Strong Foundation Student Ambassadors. We came away from the event excited and ready to carry out the 100,000 Strong Foundation’s mission on our own campus. The people of Muscatine are a great example of how a seemingly small group can have a big impact on diplomatic relations. Although there were many different ideas being discussed, one message came across crystal clear; in order for any of the initiatives to be successful, Americans must make an effort to understand China.

Come enjoy the culinary delights of Asia at the Confucius Institute’s Asian Cook-Off. The event, which will be held Friday, January 30, from 6-8 p.m. in 1117 University Capitol Centre, is free and open to the public.