The 8th China (Changchun) International Ceramic Art Symposium & 1st “Yatai · Mt. Lianhua Cup” International Ceramic Art Competition, which was sponsored by the Administrative Committee of the Mt. Lianhua Ecotourism Resort, Changchun Foreign Affairs Office (CCFAO), Changchun Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Changchun Publishing House, was opened Monday morning on July 22, 2019. The organizing committee says 52 ceramists from 29 countries and regions will create their works and participate in other activities including Changchun International Ceramic Art Forum and Changchun in the Eyes of Ceramists during their stay for 20 plus days in Changchun City.

The event was declared open by Zhao Ming, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Changchun Municipal Committee and Director General of the Publicity Department of CPC Changchun Municipal Committee, which was attended by such officials and guests as Hu Ying, Full-time Vice President of Jilin Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries,, Secretary of the Party Work Committee and Director of the Administrative Committee of the Mt. Lianhua Ecotourism Resort of Changchun City, Qi Guohua, Director General of CCFAO, Xu Huaiwu, President of the Changchun Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and Zheng Xiaohui, President of the Changchun Publishing House. The opening ceremony was presided over by Feng Guogang, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Mt. Lianhua Ecotourism Resort of Changchun City.

On behalf of the sponsors, extended his congratulations in his speech on the opening of the International Ceramic Art Symposium and International Ceramic Art Competition, saying, “Changchun has successfully organized seven international ceramic art symposiums, which have become a bright business card and important platform to enhance the influence of Changchun City and promote the artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries. The symposium/competition is meant to disseminate the traditional Chinese culture, promote the artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries, improve the urban cultural taste and enrich the people’s spiritual life. It is expected to move up to a new stage in terms of both the content, form and size and the popularity, internationality and influence, which in turn will drive the development of culture and tourism and expand the popularity of Mt. Lianhua Ecotourism Resort, thereby providing a powerful impetus for Changchun to build a “famous city of culture in Northeast Asia”, and playing a very important role in promoting the dissemination of ceramic culture as well as the popularization and development of modern ceramics.”

On behalf of all participants, the artist from Mexico delivered a speech, saying, “It is a great honor to participate in the event held at the picturesque Mt. Lianhua Ecotourism Resort. The grand opening of the completion is a great gathering for the ceramic industry of the world. It is also good opportunity for the ceramists from all over the world to know more China, Changchun City and Mt. Lianhua Ecotourism Resort. We sincerely thank Changchun City and Mt. Lianhua Ecotourism Resort for providing us the chance to create artistic works in such an excellent environment.”

The representative of International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) of UNESCO also expressed her warmest congratulations in her speech on the opening of the International Ceramic Art Symposium and International Ceramic Art Competition, saying, “Although starting relatively late, Changchun has become increasingly popular in the ceramic industry of the world. The competition is of great significance to promoting the development of modern ceramics and the cultural cooperation and exchanges among the countries around the world.”

The Jingdezhen Ceramic University also sent a congratulatory letter. It says: “This is a great event of your city in carrying out international cultural exchanges. It is also a grand gathering for ceramic artists at home and abroad. It will undoubtedly play a positive role in tracing the new status and new trend of international ceramics, improving the knowledge and level of modern ceramics and meanwhile promoting the development of ceramic sectors in different countries.”

The opening ceremony was organized in both Chinese and English. More than 100 media reporters, volunteers and ceramic fans joined the opening ceremony.

The theme of the event is “Unique, Innovative and Inclusive”, which is meant to disseminate the traditional Chinese culture, promoting the artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries, improving the taste of urban culture and enriching the spiritual life of the public. In addition to on-site creation of ceramic works, other activities including Opening Ceremony, Welcome Banquet, Changchun International Ceramic Art Forum, Opening Day for the Citizens, Changchun in the Eyes of Ceramists and Award Ceremony will be organized during the time. There are four categories of awards for the competition: 2 gold awards, RMB100,000 each winner; 5 silver awards, RMB50,000 each winner; 10 bronze awards, RMB20,000 each winner; and 35 outstanding awards, RMB5,000 each winner.