Objective

The Chinese Arts and Literary Festival (CALF) is organized by the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. In line with the mission of the Centre, the festival aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Chinese cultural heritage, promote appreciation and respect for cultural diversity, and enhance social harmony. Through creative and cultural engagement, the festival seeks to inspire participants to connect with Chinese culture, develop their skills, and contribute to the multicultural fabric of Canadian society.

Awards

a) Prizes:

• Individual Events: Trophies will be awarded to the Champion, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up. Certificates of participation will be provided to all participants who complete the competition.
• Parent-Child Duet: Trophies will be awarded to the Champion, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up teams. Certificates of participation will be provided to all participants who complete the competition.

b) Scholarships:

• Individual Events: Champion $50, 1st Runner-Up $30, 2nd Runner-Up $20.
• Parent-Child Duet: Each team’s Champion $50, 1st Runner-Up $30, 2nd Runner-Up $20.

Award Ceremony

The Chinese Arts and Literary Festival award ceremony will be held on May 31, 2025, at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.

Registration

1. Eligibility: Students residing in Ontario from JK to Grade 12 are eligible to participate.

1. • Parent-Child Recitation: Teams must consist of one student and their parent(s) or grandparent(s). No makeup or props are allowed. Participants must follow the provided reading materials without alterations, including reading the title and author.
   • Individual Events: Includes solo recitation, classical poetry recital, painting, calligraphy, and Chinese instrumental music. Participants can register independently or through their schools.
   • Chinese Instrumental Music Participants: Required to provide the following:
     • Title, composer, and complete sheet music.
     • Performance duration: Maximum 5 minutes for Grades JK-8, and 8 minutes for Grades 9-12. Points will be deducted for exceeding time limits.
     • Once registered, changes to the repertoire are not allowed.

2. Registration is only accepted online via org. Each group is limited to 20 participants.
3. Participants may register for multiple events according to their grade level.
4. All fees must be paid online via credit card or PayPal through org.
5. All fees are non-refundable.
6. Fees: A one-time registration fee of $5 is required. Each event registration costs $15.
7. Registration Period: From now until March 5, 2025.
8. The Chinese Arts and Literary Festival Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any registration.

Competition Format and Schedule

Most events will be held in person in April 2025 at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. Specific details will be sent via email to participants. Please check your inbox regularly.

Rules and Regulations

1. General Provisions

1.1 The Chinese Arts and Literary Festival (“CALF”) is managed by the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (“CCC”) and the Chinese Arts and Literary Festival Committee (“CALF Committee”).
1.2 Matters not covered in these rules will be handled at the discretion of the CALF Committee, whose decisions are final and binding.

2. Festival Procedures

2.1 Judges’ decisions are final. Judges reserve the right not to award any or all prizes. Parents, teachers, or participants must not contact the judges at any time, including via email or social media, as this may result in disqualification. The CCC-CALF reserves the right to appoint or replace judges at its discretion.
2.2 The festival schedule will not be altered for any participant. Requests for special scheduling or changes will not be considered.
2.3 Participants must arrive at the designated venue at least 15 minutes before their scheduled competition time.
2.4 Late arrivals will not be allowed to compete once the event has started.
2.5 No rehearsals are permitted at the competition venue.
2.6 Complaints must be submitted in writing to the CALF Committee.
2.7 Participants may record their own performances for archival purposes. However, photography, audio recording, and/or video recording of other participants are prohibited.
2.8 All mobile phones and pagers must be turned off during the competition. Food and beverages are not allowed at the venue.
2.9 Except for CALF Committee members, no participant, parent, or member of the public may interact with judges during the competition.

3. Scoring and Results

3.1 Scoring Criteria:

• Individual and Classical Poetry Recitation: Interpretation 40%, Tone 20%, Rhythm 20%, Diction 10%, Poise 10%.
• Parent-Child Recitation: Interpretation 35%, Tone 20%, Rhythm 15%, Diction 10%, Poise 10%, Overall Coordination 10%.
• Calligraphy: Structure 50%, Stroke Strength 50%.
• Children’s Painting: Thematic Message 30%, Creativity 30%, Technique 25%, Color 15%.
• Freehand/Traditional Chinese Painting: Thematic Message 30%, Layout & Atmosphere 30%, Technique (Brush & Ink) 40%.
• Chinese Instrumental Music: Pitch 25%, Rhythm 25%, Interpretation 30%, Tone Quality & Timbre 20%.
  3.2 Results will be announced on cccgt.org.

4. Event Cancellation

4.1 In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the CALF Committee reserves the right to delay, cancel, or modify the festival schedule.
4.2 Events with fewer than three participants may be merged or canceled at the discretion of the CALF Committee.

5. Authorization, Waiver, and Release

5.1 By participating, entrants (and their guardians/parents listed on the registration form) authorize the CCC and CALF to use submitted works, as well as recordings, videos, and images taken during the festival for promotional purposes, including future events, without compensation.
5.2 Entrants grant permission for photos, videos, and recordings taken during the festival or related events to be used in CCC and CALF publications, educational materials, social media, and websites.
5.3 Participants waive all moral rights to their submissions in favor of CCC and release CCC, its employees, volunteers, directors, officers, advisors, sponsors, and appointed judges from any claims arising from the use of submitted works or participant images and names.

6. Miscellaneous

6.1 All transportation, accommodation, and related costs are the responsibility of participants.
6.2 The CCC and CALF Committee are not liable for any injuries or indirect damages incurred during the festival.

7. Right to Amend Terms and Conditions

The CCC and/or CALF Committee reserve the right to update, modify, or replace these rules and regulations at their sole discretion.