Intl ceremony in WCNA highlights public art

The 5th International Award for Public Art came to an end on Jan 15 in the Qingdao West Coast New Area (WCNA), East China's Shandong province and was well-received by all in attendance.

The 5th International Award for Public Art takes place from Jan 14 to 15 in the Qingdao West Coast New Area, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_7abec6fbdfe5]

The two-day event included an opening ceremony, an awards ceremony, three keynote speeches and seven art forums. Artists, experts and scholars from over 20 countries attended the event online and offline.

The Awards Ceremony of the 5th International Award for Public Art and Award Ceremony for China-Qingdao West Coast New Area International Public Art Proposals was held on Jan 14. Seven artistic works from Australia, Asia, Latin America, North America, Africa, and Europe that included architecture, sculptures, murals and performances received awards.

Lewis Biggs, president of the International Art Association delivered a keynote speech at the award ceremony online. He said that the artistic works aimed to improve people's awareness of social issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and human injustice.

Lewis Biggs, president of the International Art Association delivers a keynote speech online at the Awards Ceremony of the 5th International Award for Public Art. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_7abec6fbdfe5]

Another highlights of the event were keynote speeches by Pan Lusheng, vice chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Dong Huafeng, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee, and Mark Vander Schaaf, former chairman of the Regional and Intergovernmental Department of the American Planning Association. They spoke about public art systems and strategies in China and the US.

In addition, seven art forums were held during the two-day event with a primary focus on public art to serve in urban development, cultural construction, rural revitalization and practical public art experience. More than 30 experts, scholars and artists worldwide attended the activities.

Experts share their views on public art development at the International Public Art Forum. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_7abec6fbdfe5]

The 5th International Award for Public Art not only provides a platform for exchanges of the aesthetic orientation of different countries, but also showcases cultural diversity. It is expected to ramp up the urban construction and cultural development of the Qingdao WCNA, said local officials.