The 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture International Exhibition is one of the pinnacles of ongoing Olympic cultural activities. Jointly sponsored by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), China Artists Association, CPPCC Painting and Calligraphy Workroom Sculpture Studio and Capital Civilization Development Foundation, the exhibition aims to imbue the Olympian spirit to China and the world, presenting a range of art-pieces which symbolize all that is honorable about the Olympic spirit.
Since the art extravaganza was first started on August 8, 2005, 2433 suggestions have been fielded from close to 90 countries, with 290 of them standing out in terms of design and impact. Made from bronze, iron, aluminum, stainless steel and other raw materials, these works were copied three times to take the exhibition on the road in simultaneous tours around the world. The move delves into spreading the Olympic spirit and translating the meaning of the "People's Olympics" motto into true mass public involvement. Furthermore, popular designs will become urban landscape pieces commemorating the Olympics and the brighter future they promise.
After debuting in Beijing in June 2006, the 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture International Exhibition embarked on its first six-month national tour, visiting the cities of Tianjin, Xiamen, Changchun, Lanzhou, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Taiyuan, Shijiazhuang, Nanning, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The next tour will take in Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan before moving to major international cities.