Weatherhead East Asian Institute Turns 60
The year 2009 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute. Throughout the year the Institute and its partners will organize several programs/events to commemorate this historical occasion. The central focus of these programs will be to reflect on and honor Columbia University's pioneering past and present connections to East Asia and to contribute to further strengthening of this important relationship.
Our exciting program of global events commemorating the WEAI’s 60th Anniversary will kicked off at Columbia on March 11, featuring Xu Bing, globally renowned artist and Vice President of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. The celebration then continues with a party at the Association of Asian Studies event in Chicago on March 28, followed by three events taking place in East Asia in late May and early June.
The events in Beijing (29-31 May), Tokyo (3 June) and Seoul (10 June), respectively themed as Columbia and China: Past and Future; Columbia and Japan: A Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the WEAI; and Global and Local Korea: Korean Studies in a Changing World, are planned in close cooperation with several Columbia and East Asian partners. They will include not only top quality symposiums/panel discussions and receptions, but some will also have photo/documents exhibits and music performances. The year-long 60th Anniversary celebrations will come to a close with several high-profile on-campus events in the fall semester of 2009.
While further affirming the WEAI’s standing as a premier institution for research, publishing and public programs, the 60th anniversary programs will highlight the quality and depth of East Asian scholarship at Columbia University and its significant influence on the region and beyond. This will not only help in consolidating Columbia's relationship with the East Asian region, but will also further enhance the university's commitment to East Asian Studies.
Please join us in celebrating this historical occasion and be a part of understanding and shaping the East Asia of the 21st century.
Click here for more detailed information on the Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul events.
January 2009