The Xi’an Culture & Trade Hub is a landmark project in the historic city of Xi’an, China, developed as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative to foster collaboration and cultural exchange among Central Asian countries and with China. This state-of-the-art hub will serve as a vibrant centre for trade, culture, and diplomacy, welcoming official delegates, tourists, and locals alike in one dynamic and comprehensive development.

At the heart of the hub lies an exhibition space dedicated to showcasing the rich history, culture, nature, arts & crafts, and visionary future of the five Central Asian countries. The project features five pavilions, each representing one country. To bring these pavilions to life, we are launching an open two-stage competition to design and create five contemporary art installations (one for each pavilion) that will serve as iconic symbols of cultural identity and creativity.

We invite professional and upcoming artists, designers, and creatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to take part in this unique opportunity. Share your creative vision and submit your proposal for an art installation that reflects Central Asia’s rich heritage and aspirations on an international stage. The selected designs will be manufactured and displayed in the Xi’an Culture & Trade Hub, creating a lasting connection between your work and a global audience.

Competition Objectives

• To create five unique, culturally representative art installations that reflect the identity, heritage, and vision of each Central Asian country.
• To engage professional and upcoming artists from the region, fostering creativity and innovation.
• To promote cultural exchange and collaboration through art.

Design Requirements

Each proposed art installation must:

• Represent one of the five Central Asian countries. Participants may choose which country to focus on and can submit a proposal for only one installation for one country pavilion.
• Reflect the history, culture, nature, arts & crafts, or vision of the chosen country for the future (participants may choose which aspect of their country they would like to present through art and explain why).
• Be contemporary in design, incorporating innovative use of materials, technology, or other creative approaches.
• Be within approximate dimensions of 2m x 2m in footprint and 4m in height (subject to finalization in the second stage of the competition).
• Be feasible to manufacture and install within the project’s timeline and budget.

Competition Structure

Submission Requirements:

One A4 page (maximum 500 words) describing:

• The concept and inspiration behind the design.
• How the design represents the chosen country.
• A short bio and portfolio of previous work.
• The methodology for creating the installation.

Selection Criteria:

• Creativity and originality of the proposed concept.
• Feasibility and methodology for creating the installation.
• Quality of the applicant’s portfolio.

Language: Submissions must be in Russian or English.

Submission Method: As two separate PDF files (concept proposal, and bio/CV/portfolio) via email to the provided address.

Submission Deadline: COB Friday, 25th April.

Stage 2: Shortlisted Candidates

15 candidates (three per pavilion) will be selected and notified to develop their concept ideas further.

Submission Requirements:

Two A0 panels visualizing and explaining:

• The proposed design and concept.
• Construction materials and methodology.
• Approximate cost estimate for construction.
• A 10-minute self-recorded video introducing the artist and explaining their concept to the jury.

Language: Submissions must be in Russian or English. Organizers will assist with translation into Chinese for the jury.

Budget: A budget will be allocated for each art installation, covering design development, materials, manufacturing, and installation. The exact budget will be confirmed prior to the start of Stage 2.

Submission Method: To be confirmed at a later stage.

Submission Deadline: COB Friday, 30th May (TBC).

Evaluation: The 15 designs will be exhibited in Xi’an and presented to the jury, comprising:

• Invited professional artists and designers from various institutes and countries.
• Experts from art, architecture, and design universities.
• Representatives of the client, architects, and project managers.
• Representatives of the local government and governments of the five Central Asian countries.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Creativity and Originality: How unique and innovative the design is.
• Cultural Representation: How well the design reflects the chosen country’s culture, nature, or vision.
• Feasibility: The practicality of manufacturing and installing the design within the given constraints.
• Final Selection: Five winning designs (one per pavilion) will be selected by the jury for commission. The commissioning contract, procurement, and delivery of each installation to the site will be discussed by the client and project managers with the winning artists.

Intellectual Property

• All submitted designs remain the intellectual property of the participants until a winner is selected.
• The winning designs will become the property of the client, with the artist credited for their work.
• The client reserves the right to exhibit all submitted proposals within the exhibition hub for public viewing.

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How to Apply & Contact Information

For inquiries or to submit your application, contact:

Name: Ms. Indira Makhmetova

Email: issmatart1@gmail.com

Phone: +7 708 897 44 71

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Organisers:

Competition Organizer & Art Consultant: IART

Architects: Chetwoods United Studio

‍Project Managers: China Construction Shenzhen Decoration Co., Ltd‍

Client: Huatai Sunshine Group, Xi'an Portuguese-speaking Technology Development Co., Ltd.