Name: Silk Road Connection
Start: 2025-05-05T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-05-05T21:00:00-05:00
Location: University of Central Oklahoma

The Silk Road Connection event commemorates the 40th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Oklahoma, USA, and Gansu, China.
About this Event

Silk Road Connection: Celebrating 40 Years of Oklahoma-Gansu Relations

The Silk Road Connection event commemorates the 40th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Oklahoma, USA, and Gansu, China. This gathering brings together representatives from both regions to celebrate their longstanding cultural ties.

Key Highlights:

Dignitaries: A delegation of government officials from Gansu Province, including the Vice Governor, directors of key government departments, and cultural representatives.

Photo Opportunity: Scheduled for Monday May 5th at 6pm

Performance: A cultural showcase will take place on Monday, May 5 in Constitution Hall in the Nigh University Center, featuring traditional Chinese arts.

Event Features:

Artistic Performances (30-minute duration, excluding speeches)

Dance: "Dunhuang Music and Dance" featuring traditional styles such as Back-hand Playing, Long Silk, Flying Apsaras, and Thousand-Buddha.

Musical Performances:

Erhu & Pipa: "Joyous Spring" and "Youngsters under the Moon"

Hua’er Singing: "Flower Sisters" (with dance accompaniment)

Instrumental Ensemble: Dunhuang Ancient Music pieces like "Blissful Realm" or "Qinghuailuo"

Yugur Nationality Song & Dance: Traditional performances with toasting and presenting Hada (ceremonial scarves) to guests.

Cultural & Heritage Exhibition

Intangible Cultural Heritage Display: Traditional craftsmanship from Gansu, including:

Pingliang Paper-cutting

Lanzhou Gourd Carving

Zhuanglang Wheat-straw Painting

Qingyang Sachet Embroidery

Huan County Daoqing Shadow-play

Gannan Thangka (Buddhist paintings)

Artisans will showcase their crafts with select items available for on-site display.

Significance

This event, hosted at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in the George Nigh Center, highlights the importance of cultural exchange and strengthens ties between Oklahoma and the Chinese community. Through the combined efforts of UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design, musician Kyle Dillingham, and various cultural organizations, the celebration will offer a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the rich heritage of Gansu, China.