I. Theme
To promote international cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, and to embody the vision that “art knows no borders, culture creates resonance,” the 2026 Experience China: One Art, Boundless Seas will be held from June 1 to 3, 2026 at the Xiangshan Campus of the China Academy of Art (CAA). Under the theme “One Art, Boundless Seas” the event brings together young artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Rooted in the fertile soil of Chinese culture, they weave their individual artistic experiences into an open, globally co-created narrative, embarking on a shared artistic journey and growing continuously in the two-way journey of mutual learning among civilizations.
Mine eyes survey the splendour of China’s rivers and mountains;
Mine brushes uphold the timeless elegance of Chinese culture;
Mine art calls forth youth from all lands to share one artistic spirit.
II. Organizers
Host: China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Organizer: International College, China Academy of Art (CAA)
III. Event Overview (subject to the final release)
| Activity | Time
|
| Opening Ceremony of CAA Graduation Season | Evening, June 1, 2026 |
| Opening Ceremony of the International Art Exhibition | 9:00–11:00, June 2, 2026 |
| World Youth Artists Forum: Keynote Speeches | 13:30–14:30, June 2, 2026 |
| World Youth Artists Forum: Parallel Sessions | 14:45–16:45, June 2, 2026 |
| Summary of Parallel Sessions & Exhibition Visit | 9:00–11:30, June 3, 2026 |
Exhibition Duration: June 2-July 20, 2026
Exhibition Venue: Xiangshan Campus, China Academy of Art
Forum Venue: Xiangshan Campus, China Academy of Art (specific rooms to be announced)
IV. Event Guidelines
(I) Core Issues
The event features two main components: an open call for artworks and an academic forum, organized around the following three thematic issues(for reference only):
| Issues | Core Perspective | Description |
| I. Contemporary Interpretation of Tradition and Global Dialogue | Craftsmanship&Philosophy | Exploring how traditional Chinese art languages are activated and reconstructed in contemporary art creation and education, entering into global dialogue. Examining the unique modes of perception, spiritual cultivation, and artistic mindset shaped by traditional artistic training, and exploring their transformative potential in global contemporary art practice. |
| II. Fluid Identity and Cross-border Practice | Boundaries&Fusion | Focusing on cross-cultural identity in the context of globalization and responding to shared issues of liquid times. Analyzing how artists from different cultural backgrounds encode and decode Chinese visual elements to form unique personal expressions and stylistic strategies. |
| III. Global Perception and Interpretation of China Live | Dialogue&Mutual Learning | Exploring how young artists translate “lived experience in China” through their work, constructing a mirror for the international understanding of China. Examining how such cross-cultural creation becomes a window to reflect on “how the world perceives China,” revealing how Chinese artistic traditions extend globally through dialogue, shaping cultural self-awareness and advancing discursive renewal. |
How to Participate:
Participants may choose to submit artworks only, or, after being selected, confirm their participation in the Academic Forum via email.
Colleges or Institutions may also recommend young scholars or artists for either the exhibition or the forum. Please contact the event coordinator for details.
(II) Eligibility
Open to young non-Chinese artists and scholars who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Current international student in China
- Graduate from any educational level in China
- Has experience of exchange, study, or research in China
We warmly welcome all young talents at home and abroad who have educational, cultural, or artistic ties with China.
(III) Open Call for Artworks
1. Originality Requirement
Submitted works must be original. The submitter bears full legal responsibility for any copyright, portrait rights, or other intellectual property disputes. The organizers assume no joint liability.
2. Creative Direction
Works may address any of the above thematic issues. Please indicate your chosen issues in the “2026 Experience China: One Art, Boundless Seas Artwork Information Sheet” (multiple selections allowed).
3. Quantity
Each participant may submit up to three works or series.
4. Types of Works (including but not limited to)
- Painting, sculpture, installation
- Video, digital media art
- Calligraphy, seal carving
- Comprehensive materials, design works
5.Dimension Requirements:
| Type | Specification |
| Painting, Calligraphy | Long side≤200 cm |
| Sculpture, Installation | Longest dimension≤200 cm |
| Digital Static Works | Resolution≥1920×1080 pixels or 300 dpi; single image≤20 MB; series total≤60 MB |
| Digital Dynamic Works | Duration 2-10 minutes; file size≤2 GB; resolution≥1080p; MP4 format; horizontal or vertical orientation accepted |
6. Submission Guidelines
Submit a compressed package containing the following materials to caaic@163.com before the deadline:
- Artwork files
- Artwork Information Sheet (see Attachment 1)
- 4 images of the artwork for public release
File Naming Requirements:
| Artwork File | Author's Name-Artwork Title-Type |
| Artwork Information Sheet | Author’s Name-2026 Experience China: One Art, Boundless Seas Artwork Information Sheet |
| Compressed Package | Author’s Name-Artwork Submission |
| Email Subject | 2026 Experience China: One Art, Boundless Seas-Artwork Submission-Author’s Name-Affiliation -Type |
| Note: For works without digital source files (e.g., painting, sculpture), high-resolution photographs are sufficient. |
7. Special Notes
Submission Scope: For logistical and display reasons, original physical works must be currently located within China. Thank you for your understanding.
Framing & Shipping: Selected works must be framed by the artists themselves. Detailed instructions regarding shipping and delivery will be provided in the acceptance notification.
Display Requirements: Please inform the organizers in advance if your work has special display needs.
(IV) Academic Forum
The forum is a concurrent academic exchange event. Presentations may be given in Chinese or English, in the form of free speech or PPT (recommended 8-10 minutes per speaker).
V. Important Dates
1. Submission Deadline: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday, inclusive), based on receipt time of designated email. Late submissions, incomplete materials, incorrect formatting, or naming errors will be considered invalid.
2. Results Notification: May 20, 2026 (Wednesday). The organizing committee will notify selected participants by email.
3. Shipping Deadline: May 25, 2026 (Monday). Original works must arrive at the designated address by this date. Late arrivals may not be exhibited. Address will be provided in the selection notification.
VI. Benefits and Rights
1. Exhibition: Selected works will be exhibited in the “2026 Experience China: One Art, Boundless Seas” International Art Exhibition. Participants will receive a certificate of participation. All exhibited works will be included in the officially published “2026 Experience China: One Art, Boundless Seas-Exhibition Catalogue”, and each selected artist will receive one complimentary copy.
2. Return of Works: Exhibited works will be returned to the artists after the exhibition.
VII. Other Matters
The exhibition charges no registration, participation, or conference fees. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and transportation costs (except lunch on the forum day, which will be provided by the organizers). Travel insurance and personal safety are the responsibility of the participants.
The organizing committee reserves the right of final interpretation. Matters not covered herein will be announced separately by the committee.
VIII. Contact Information
Contact Persons: Mao Jianyao, Wang Lanxin, Wang Ze.
Contact Numbers: 0571-87160630; 0571-87164712 Inquiry Email: caaic@163.com
附件1_2026感知中国-四海艺同作品信息表_Attachment1_ExperienceChina-OneArtBoundlessSeas-ArtworkInformationSheet
