A call has been made for young artists from China and ASEAN countries to take part in a new art contest designed to promote cultural exchange and increase understanding.

The organizing committee for the China-ASEAN Youth Artwork Creativity Contest announced yesterday that they were looking for sculptures, calligraphy, paintings and handicrafts on the theme "city and human" by artists under the age of 45.

The contest will be sponsored by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Youth Federation, the region's cultural bureau and other local departments.

It is regarded as a diversified culture gala to celebrate the 15th anniversary of China and ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries establishing dialogue and partnership.

"Along with the healthy political and robust economic ties with ASEAN, more culture-oriented events should also be promoted among people from the two sides," said Jiang Guangping, deputy secretary-general of the All-China Youth Federation.

Any non-award and original works done in 2003 and afterwards are allowed to participate in the contest.

The works from Chinese artists will be sent to Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region directly, while works from ASEAN countries will arrive in Nanning via designated institutes in their countries.

Work for collecting the paintings will end on August 10 before a two-phase contest is carried out, said Zheng Juan, director of the organizing committee.

Winners will be announced on October 31, when all the outstanding works are to be selected for an art show tour in all ASEAN countries, Zheng said.

The winner will be awarded US$30,000.

(China Daily April 25, 2006)