The second annual “Happy Chinese New Year: Fantastic Art China” festival returns to New York City in February 2016, organized by a coalition of prominent cultural institutions. Partner organizations announced last week include the New York Philharmonic, National Dance Institute and the New York School of Interior Design, all collaborating with the China Central Academy of Fine Arts and the U.S.-China Cultural Institute to expand the festival’s successful launch.
Scheduled for February 5–10, 2016, the festival will activate a number of New York’s most recognizable venues. Events are planned at landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Lincoln Center, bringing Chinese arts and culture into the city’s public spaces. This year’s program coincides with the first time Chinese New Year is recognized as a public school holiday in New York City, enabling students from approximately 75 schools to take part in a large-scale Chinese dance performance staged at Lincoln Center and the Javits Center.
In addition to performances and exhibitions, the 2016 festival incorporates a conservation theme focused on raising awareness about the endangered Golden Monkey. The integration of environmental messaging with traditional and contemporary Chinese art aims to broaden the festival’s public impact and encourage cultural and ecological stewardship.
The opening concert features music by Grammy Award–winning composer Tan Dun and performances by children from the National Dance Institute, linking high-profile contemporary composition with community youth arts education. A week-long Chinese art exhibition at the Jacob K. Javits Center will display the work of emerging young Chinese artists alongside established contemporary voices, offering New Yorkers a broad survey of current Chinese visual art.
Other highlights include a fireworks display over the Hudson River on February 6, accompanied by additional music from Tan Dun’s repertoire, creating a multimedia celebration that blends sight and sound. The festival culminates on February 9 with the New York Philharmonic’s Chinese New Year Concert and Gala, a prominent musical event that spotlights orchestral interpretations of Chinese themes and premieres.
Across performance halls, galleries and public spaces, the festival balances traditional celebrations with contemporary creativity. Programming emphasizes dance, music, visual arts and cross-disciplinary collaborations, while educational initiatives invite schoolchildren and community members to engage directly with artists and cultural practitioners. By situating events in landmark venues and involving leading cultural partners, the festival seeks to amplify the visibility of Chinese art in the city’s cultural life.
The festival’s educational components include hands-on workshops and participatory performances designed for students and families. These activities aim to introduce young audiences to Chinese dance, music and visual arts practices, offering practical learning opportunities that complement the main-stage concerts and exhibitions. By leveraging partnerships with school-based programs and arts organizations, the festival strengthens cultural exchange and arts education at the community level.
Curated exhibitions and performances showcase a range of artistic styles and mediums, from traditional forms to contemporary experiments. The festival’s visual arts program highlights the work of young Chinese creators alongside established artists, providing a platform for fresh perspectives while honoring long-standing artistic traditions. Similarly, the music and dance programs present both classical repertoire and innovative new works, reflecting the festival’s ambition to present a wide spectrum of Chinese cultural expression.
Overall, “Happy Chinese New Year: Fantastic Art China” 2016 aims to create an inclusive, citywide celebration that engages diverse audiences through high-quality programming, meaningful educational outreach and a conservation-minded theme. By partnering with major cultural institutions and utilizing iconic New York venues, the festival strives to deepen appreciation for Chinese art and culture while contributing to a broader dialogue about cultural preservation and environmental awareness.