1.  The level of meaningful cultural exchange in any given project is indirectly proportional to the frequency at which the metaphor of the ‘bridge’ occurs, as in “…building a bridge between our two peoples”, “crossing the bridge which links our two great cultures…” etc.

1a. Cultural exchange is in inverse proportion to both the number and length of politician’s speeches endured in the pursuit of any given venture.

1b.  Cultural exchange is also in inverse proportion to the number of Embassy and British Council receptions given in its honour.

2.  Cultural exchange, like art, happens when politics and money blink.

[from “The Limits of Cultural Exchange“,  Bill Armstrong]

Preparations now in progress for a cynical barbecue of cultural exchange, to take place Saturday, 11 July. More details coming soon!  胡、欧阳、马修、飞力璞、何颖雅和戴璞正在准备家作坊的悲观文化交流BBQ! 7月11日，下个星期六！请静候我们的进一步消息~