The visit would include a Chinese art exhibition and possible sale, martial arts and tai chi performances as well as a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with events and workshops taking place for adults and children.

Youth Arts Festival director Vince Lovecchio has been working with Cui Yulong, who is also known as John, to bring a taste of Chinese culture to the city for the festival.

Mr Lovecchio said it was about developing tourism and an arts exchange such as between Chinese and Orange ceramic artists and he hopes there will be six artists involved with this visit and more in the future.

“I just think it’s a fabulous opportunity for this town,” he said.

“The cost for this, the Chinese are going to bring it themselves, there’s a huge amount of artworks they are going to bring over.”

He said Mr Cui is well established in the arts community in his home city of Tianjin City in north eastern China, but he has also been visiting Orange almost every year in the past decade, with his last visit taking place in May.

The group is due to arrive on October 5 so they can prepare in advance of the festival which runs from October 9 to 18.

Mr Lovecchio has put a call out to groups and venue owners to host some of the events, workshops and displays and said sponsorship would also be appreciated. 

To offer support or for more information phone Mr Lovecchio on 0407 454 832 or email vince.lovecchio@det.nsw.edu.au.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au