Memorial Event for the 130th Birthday of Xu Beihong
Art Competition for Children and Youth
in the Spirit of Chinese-European Exchange
Background and Concept of the Competition
Xu Beihong (1895–1953) was a prominent figure in modern Chinese art and an important bridge in the exchange between Eastern and Western art. He introduced European drawing techniques and oil painting to China, blending them with traditional Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. This created a new chapter in the history of modern Chinese art. His works reflect not only a harmonious dialogue between cultures but also a deep understanding of life, nature, and culture.
To commemorate the 130th birthday of Xu Beihong and to promote his artistic spirit, as well as deepen the cultural exchange between China and Europe, Polymind Creative Learning, in collaboration with the Xu Beihong Art Foundation, is organizing the 1st Xu Beihong Youth Art Competition for children and youth in Europe and China.
Under the theme “In the Footsteps of Master Xu Beihong: Art as a Bridge for Life and Harmony Between Cultures,” the competition aims to inspire young artists to explore through their works the deeper connection between humans and nature, as well as between humans and culture. At the same time, the competition will highlight the vast potential for cultural exchange between Europe and China.
Vienna, as a historic center of art and culture, which has for centuries attracted artists and thinkers from all over the world, serves as a platform for intercultural dialogue. The goal of this competition is to encourage the younger generation to unleash their artistic talents, build a closer cultural connection between China and Europe, and create mutual learning, respect, and resonance through art and culture.
Theme of the Competition: “Me and My Animal Friends”
Xu Beihong, known for his keen observation and masterful technique, created numerous vibrant and expressive depictions of animals, particularly horses, full of strength and energy. These works go beyond a realistic representation of nature and serve as a medium through which he conveyed his emotions and artistic visions. They also illustrate the close connection between humans and nature.
In light of the global challenges concerning the environment and nature, this competition encourages young people to address through art the harmonious coexistence of humans, animals, and nature.
Participants:
Children aged 6 to 12
Submission Period:
March 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025
Hosts:
Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, Xu Beihong Art Special Fund
徐悲鸿艺术馆 (Xu Beihong Art Museum)
Polymind Creative Learning e.U. Austria
Organization:
Polymind Creative Learning e.U. Österreich
Cooperation Partners:
Schönbrunn Zoo
European Primary School Goldschlagstraße
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Austria
一米花园 (Yimihuayuan)
武平乡村艺术沙龙
Special Sponsors:
功夫动漫股份有限公司 (Kungfu Animation Co., Ltd.)
华程国旅集团维也纳分公司 (HCG International Travel Service GmbH)
I. Submission Requirements
1. Basic Requirements
- The submitted artwork must be an original piece created by the participant which has not been published in any form. In case of proven plagiarism or theft, the participant will be disqualified from the competition and will bear legal consequences..
- Each participant may submit only one artwork which serves as their representative piece.
2. Category: Painting
- All techniques are allowed. The artwork must be hand-crafted; digital art or computer-generated illustrations will not be accepted.
- The paper size must be at least A3 (297 mm x 420 mm) and no larger than A2 (594 mm x 420 mm).
3. Submission of Works
1) Electronic Documents (Scan or Photo)
To ensure a smooth review, the following requirements must be met:
- The image must be clear and well-lit, with the entire artwork fully and unobscuredly captured.
- The file format should be either JPG or PNG.
- The resolution must be at least 300 DPI.
- The maximum file size is 5 MB.
2) Registration Form for Participants (Participants must complete the registration form in full; otherwise, they will not be able to participate in the competition.) Download Registration Form
Please send the electronic version of the work as well as the completed registration form for the competition to the specified email address: kunst2025@polymind.org.
II. Awards
In order to encourage participation, recognize talent, and honor the contributions of individuals and institutions that have helped ensure the success of the competition, the following awards will be presented:
1. Awards for Participants
– Grand Prize: 1 Winner
A round-trip economy-class flight ticket between China and Austria
A merchandise set of the Chinese anime „Tian Cai Xiao Luban (Genius Luban)“
A notebook of the Chinese anime „Qi Cheng Xiao Wang Zi (Havel Orange)“
Explanation:
- Place of departure: Depending on the winner’s place of residence, the flight will depart from one of the major cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) or Austria (Vienna).
- Flight: The flight will be selected by the organizer, and the exact flight time will be coordinated between the winner and the sponsor.
- Validity: The ticket is valid for one year from the date of the award ceremony and must be used within this period.
- Usage restrictions: The prize cannot be exchanged for cash and is non-transferable.
- Additional costs: Extra services (such as excess baggage, special seats, etc.) must be covered by the winner.
– First Prize: 2 Winners
A year pass for Schönbrunn Zoo
A merchandise set of the Chinese anime “Tian Cai Xiao Luban (Genius Luban)”
A notebook of the Chinese anime “Qi Cheng Xiao Wang Zi (Havel Orange)”
– Second Prize: 4 Winners
A day pass for Schönbrunn Zoo
A thermos bottle of the Chinese anime “Qi Cheng Xiao Wang Zi (Havel Orange)”
A merchandise item of the Chinese anime “Tian Cai Xiao Luban (Genius Luban)”
– Third Prize: 6 Winners
A day pass for Haus des Meers
A 3D coloring set of the Chinese anime “Qi Cheng Xiao Wang Zi (Havel Orange)”
– Ehrenerwähnung: 12 Personen
A puzzle gamme of the Chinese anime “Qi Cheng Xiao Wang Zi (Havel Orange)”
Note: All winners will receive a paper-based certificate to confirm their achievements.
2. Award for Outstanding Teachers
1) Target Group:
Teachers who supervised students who achieved third place or higher.
2) Reward:
- An award certificate for outstanding teachers will be presented.
- The names of the awarded teachers will be publicly announced and recognized on the official competition website and other relevant platforms.
3. Award for Outstanding Organizations
1) Target Group:
Organizations (schools, institutions, teams, etc.) that actively participated in the competition and whose total number of submitted artworks is at least 20.
2) Evaluation Criteria:
- The number of submitted artworks meets the requirements.
- The quality of organization and submitted works, including the efficiency of the work process and the quality of participation.
3) Reward:
- An award certificate for outstanding organizations will be presented.
- The awarded organizations will receive a special mention during the awards ceremony or in an online event.
III. Explanation of Awards
1) Publication of Results:
The winners will be published on the official competition website as well as on other relevant channels to ensure transparency and involve the public in the review process.
2) Final Decision Authority:
The final authority to declare and decide on the awards lies with the organizers of the competition.
IV. Evaluation Process
– First Phase: Preselection
Public Online Voting: June 11, 2025 – June 18, 2025
Anonymous Jury Voting: June 11, 2025 – June 25, 2025
The results of the first selection will be announced on July 2, 2025 (Central European Time). The list of nominated participants will be published on the official Polymind website. The top 25 participants will automatically move on to the next round. You will receive a notification and will be asked to send the original manuscript to the specified address.
– Second Phase: Main Round
Public Online Voting: July 2, 2025 – July 9, 2025
Anonymous Jury Voting: July 2, 2025 – July 16, 2025
The results of the competition will be announced on July 19, 2025 (Central European Time). The winners’ list will be published on the official Polymind website.
V. Award Ceremony
Date: October 1, 2025
Location: Vienna, Austria (The exact location and time will be announced on the official Polymind website and through notifications.)
VI. After the Competition
(1) Online Exhibition of the Selected Works
All 25 selected works will be displayed on the official online platform of the competition.
(2) Offline Exhibition of the Award Winners
The works that receive third place or higher will be exhibited together with the works of the artist jurors on July 29, 2025 at the Hofburg Palace Vienna and subsequently auctioned online. The proceeds from the auction will be donated in full to WWF Austria (World Wide Fund for Nature Austria).
(3) Environmental Protection Lectures and Workshops: Experts and artists in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development will be invited to share their knowledge and experiences.
(4) Art and Nature Education Workshops: Interactive learning opportunities combining art and ecological protection will be offered to young people.
(5) Excursions and Charitable Activities: Visits to nature reserves, zoos, or participation in environmental protection actions such as tree planting and clean-up campaigns will be organized.
VII. Jury Members (the order is not relevant)
王彤 (Wang Tong)
Wang Tong is a Swedish artist of Chinese origin. She is an associate professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, responsible for international cultural exchange. She is also an associate professor at the Nordic International Visual Arts Studio of the Inner Mongolia Academy of Art and a lecturer for postgraduate studies at Thonburi University in Thailand. She travels between Northern Europe and China, focusing on art education, cultural exchange, and art production. Previously, she served as a visiting professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China, the University of Kentucky in the USA, the Academy of Arts at Xiamen University, and other universities.
周颖超 (Zhou Yingchao)
Zhou Yingchao graduated in 1984 with a major in Chinese Language from Nanjing Normal University and entered the Oil Painting Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1989. His works are characterized by a unique style and have gained increasing international recognition on the art stage. Since 2005, his works have been represented by the European art historian Antgeliboda. In 2007, he exhibited in London alongside artists such as Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His works have also been displayed in Paris and collected by the Opera Gallery.
He has participated in numerous international exhibitions, including in the USA, France, Germany, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Croatia, particularly at the Louvre and the Grand Palais in France. His work “Portrait of Charles de Gaulle, the President of France” is permanently housed in the De Gaulle Foundation. In 2016, Zhou Yingchao was awarded the title of Academy Member by the Asian Art Academy and exhibited his works at the National Museum of China. In 2019, his work “The Three Millennia of Desert Poplars” was acquired as a permanent collection for the Museum of Luntai in Xinjiang.
Zhou Yingchao’s artworks transcend many cultures and historical eras, blending Western modern art with traditional Eastern elements, earning him worldwide recognition.
Franz Yang-Močnik
Franz Yang-Močnik is an outstanding painter and multi-disciplinary artist. His artistic style blends elements of painting, drawing, architecture, and spatial design. His work delves deeply into environmental conservation, historical culture, and the relationship between the body and space. With his unique artistic perspective, he has won numerous prestigious art awards in Austria and Carinthia, and his works have been exhibited in the United States, Italy, China, and other locations.
In 2022, Franz Yang-Močnik held a solo exhibition in Taipei. In 2024, his works were exhibited at the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF). Additionally, his art is held in the collections of several important institutions and private collectors, including the Museum of Art History in Vienna and the Neue Galerie Graz.
刘溯 (Liu Su)
Famous oil painter
Chairman of the Board of the Xu Beihong Art Project of the China Arts Festival Foundation
President of the Artists Association of Painters in the Western District of Beijing
Liu Su graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Beijing Normal University. In 1997, he completed his postgraduate studies in oil painting at the Capital Normal University. He is a member of the China Artists Association, a board member of the Oil Painting Committee of the China National Arts and Crafts Association, a board member of the Oil Painting Committee of the Great Wall Calligraphy and Painting Association, Director of the Realistic Oil Painting Society, an academician of the China Future Oil Painting Academy, and a visiting professor at the Art School of the Renmin University of China.
His oil paintings have been displayed in various exhibitions, including the “First China Oil Painting Still Life Exhibition,” “China Oil Painting Grand Exhibition,” “International Exhibition of Figurative Art in Nice, France,” “China-Russia Oil Painting Masters Invitation Exhibition,” “South Africa International Biennale,” “Nepal International Biennale,” “Second China-Korea Modern Art Exhibition,” as well as “China Oil Painting Exhibitions” in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
萧鹏 (Xiao Peng)
A graduate of the Oil Painting Department of the Art Faculty at Capital Normal University in 1986, Xiao Peng taught at the Beijing School of Applied Arts from 1986 to 1991.
He is currently a member of the Beijing Artists Association, Director of the Beijing Oil Painting Society, Director of the Xu Beihong Art Salon, Executive Vice President of the China Future Research Oil Painting Academy, Executive Vice Director of the Oil Painting Committee of the Great Wall Calligraphy and Painting Association, Director of the Realistic Oil Painting Society, and a visiting professor at the Art School of the Renmin University of China. In 2009, he was appointed as a specially selected artist for state guests by the China-Asia Pacific Economic Development Research Center of the State Council.
His works are based on themes such as the Forbidden City and traditional residential houses. He employs the classical oil painting technique of “layered glazing,” first building up the form and then deepening the color layer by layer. He strives to achieve vastness and depth through precision and attention to detail, using traditional Western methods to convey the spiritual and aesthetic contents of Chinese culture.
徐小阳 (Xu Xiaoyang)
The renowned Chinese artist Xu Beihong has a grandson, Xu Xiaoyang, who is currently the director of the Xu Beihong Art Museum and the executive director of the Xu Beihong Art Foundation. Inspired by his grandfather’s art from a young age, Xu Xiaoyang is dedicated to preserving and innovating the family’s artistic tradition.
He masters calligraphy and painting, with his works combining traditional techniques with personal emotions, expressing a profound artistic skill. As a promoter of cultural and artistic activities, he is committed to collecting and disseminating the artistic heritage of Xu Beihong. In addition, he actively participates in exhibitions and cultural exchanges both domestically and internationally. His artistic works and scholarly contributions uniquely enrich the development of contemporary Chinese art.
郑晓京 (Zheng Xiaojing)
Pseudonyms: Chai Shi, Mei Shi, born in 1963 in Beijing.
Chinese painter, classical poet, sculptor, and curator.
He is a member of the Chinese Arts and Crafts Association and the Chinese Society of Classical Poetry. At the age of fourteen, he apprenticed under the famous porcelain painter from Jingdezhen, Lu Ru, and systematically studied flower and bird painting. He also studied under renowned Chinese painters such as Xu Linlu, Hu Shuang’an, Bai Xueshi, and Sun Qifeng. At the age of fifteen, he became a disciple of the great poet, calligrapher, and painter Xiao Lao, where he studied classical literature, poetry, calligraphy, and painting, with a strong emphasis on intellectual and poetic content. The combination of poetry and painting is his artistic signature.
His works are housed in collections and have been exhibited in embassies such as those of Russia, Mexico, and Ukraine, as well as in the Diaoyu Tai State Guesthouse and other prestigious venues.
Adriana Peterova
Adriana Peterova is a cultural manager, exhibition curator, and art expert from Vienna, Austria. In 2008, she founded the Art Gallery Adriana, which specializes in presenting original artworks from around the world.
Eva Eichinger
Eva Eichinger is an Austrian artist born in 1988 in Upper Austria. From 2009 to 2016, she studied Visual Arts and Painting at the University of Art in Linz. Since 2021, she has received a scholarship from the Austrian Ministry of Culture and works in her studio in Westbahnstraße in Vienna, focusing on her artistic projects.
Her artistic work encompasses painting and other art forms, with a focus on the expression of emotions and social phenomena.
蓝兰 (Lan Lan)
Lan Lan was born in 1967 in Xiamen and graduated in 1990 with a degree in Computer Science from Xiamen University. Since 2005, she has regularly traveled between China and Northern Europe to promote cultural exchange activities. Since 2003, she has organized over 100 events, including “Focus on Nordic” in China and “Anxious China” in Northern Europe.
She currently lives in Sweden, where she serves as an international curator and leads the “Contemporary Art Center Xiamen-Northern Europe” as well as the “Tallbacken Art Center” in Sweden. Additionally, she is the Executive Director of the “Fujian Association of Outstanding Overseas Women” and the Honorary President of the “CORNER Artist Association” in Denmark.
Important Notes:
1. There is no entry fee for this competition. All submitted works will not be returned, and no compensation will be paid.
2. The organizer reserves the right to promote, publish, exhibit, and present all submitted works. By participating in this competition, participants confirm that they accept and comply with all provisions of this notice.
3. The final right to interpret this announcement lies with the organizer.
Through this competition, we hope that young people and children, inspired by the spirit of Xu Beihong, will explore the infinite possibilities of the relationship between humans and nature, as well as between humans and culture, through art. Together, they will help create a new chapter of cultural exchange between China and Europe!