Call for Entries: First Ancient-Today Twin Flying Apsaras·AIGC Innovation Design Competition

Theme Explanation

With the theme of "Ancient-Today Twin Flying Apsaras," traditional Chinese aesthetics meets contemporary technology and art.

Throughout history, humanity's quest to explore the unknown universe has never ceased. From the legend of Icarus flying toward the sun in ancient Greece and the precise lunar calendars of the Maya civilization to Zhang Heng's "Armed Sky Theory" in ancient China and the "Flying Apsaras" in Dunhuang murals, these elements symbolize humanity's longing for freedom and transcendence. Across civilizations and millennia, the inherited dream of reaching for the stars has evolved into humanity's profound quest for the cosmos.

Main Tracks

The following keywords can serve as directional references:

  • Epic in Sand

Since the establishment of the Dunhuang Prefecture during the Western Han Dynasty, Dunhuang has been the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. It has witnessed the integration of diverse cultures across dynasties, creating a world cultural treasure. Creators are encouraged to express historical cultures, figures, and events through digital art.

  • Dunhuang Treasures

With over 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals in the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang is a global repository of art, showcasing the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient artists. Creators are invited to delve into Dunhuang's art and present its aesthetic essence.

  • Cosmic Exploration

The cosmic exploration depicted in Dunhuang art not only bears historical witness but also inspires contemporary aspirations. As Mr. Chang Shuhong noted during the launch of Dongfanghong-1 in 1970, "Today's satellites resemble the Tang Dynasty flying apsaras I once copied, only clad in steel wings." Humanity's cosmic quest remains unchanged. Creators are encouraged to explore possibilities inspired by the cosmic codes hidden in Dunhuang star maps.

Competition Requirements

1. Competition Schedule

Submission Period: April 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025

Preliminary Selection: June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025

Final Review: July 1, 2025 – August 15, 2025

Final Results Announcement: Mid-August

Awards Ceremony and Exhibition: September 2025

Online Exhibition: September 2025 (exact date to be announced)

2. Eligibility (Individuals and Teams)

Youth Group (16–35 years old) and Adult Group (over 35 years old)

Teams (up to 5 members)

Nationality: No restrictions

3. Submission Requirements

1.Submission Types: Dynamic video and images.

2.Content: Application form, the creator's latest PDF resume, and original works created using AIGC technology. Works can be in various forms, including but not limited to dynamic video and images.

Note: Ensure all materials (images, music, etc.) are free of copyright disputes or properly authorized. Plagiarism or infringement will result in disqualification.

3.No Mailing: The competition does not accept mailed entries. Physical submissions will not be returned.

4.Media Rights: Advancing or winning grants the organizing committee the right to use submitted materials for competition-related media promotion.

4. Submission Specifications

1.Video: Maximum 3 minutes, MP4 format, any aspect ratio, file size ≤100MB. No personal information in the video.

2.Images: Up to 10 images, JPG format, 300 DPI, RGB color mode, single image ≤10MB.

Note: Non-compliant works will be disqualified.

5. Submission Method (See Official Website for Registration Details)

Participants can learn more about the competition via "Yangpu Culture and Tourism" or "Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum." Download the AIGC Innovation Design Competition Application Form and submit it to aigc@dunhuangartmuseum.com or send a Baidu Netdisk link for large video files. Include "AIGC + Youth Group/Adult Group + Applicant's Name" in the email subject line.

Judging Criteria

Empowering mainstream value dissemination through AIGC, promoting advanced cultural development, spreading positive energy, and upholding truth, goodness, and beauty. The competition aims to make technological innovations accessible to the public and build a human-centered, AI-aligned future.

The competition will adhere to the principles of fairness and impartiality, with the organizing committee overseeing all processes. Online judging will be conducted in two stages: expert review and result announcement. Final winners will be selected based on expert scores and awarded accordingly.

  1. Judging Criteria: Four dimensions—completion (30%), artistic expression (30%), innovative value (20%), and AI application proficiency (20%). Completion includes submission integrity and quality. Artistic expression covers visual impact and cultural value. Innovative value involves theme positioning and work individuality. AI application proficiency reflects tool mastery.

  2. Preliminary Expert Review: Experts appointed by the organizing committee conduct the initial review of valid entries.

  3. Final Expert Review: Experts appointed by the organizing committee conduct the final review of shortlisted works.

  4. Result Announcement: Final results are announced on official social media and websites, and participants are notified.

Special Notes

  1. Originality: Submissions must be original and not infringe on others' rights. Entries already exhibited or commercialized will be disqualified, and legal liability may be pursued.

  2. Intellectual Property: All copyrights belong to the creators. The organizing committee holds exhibition and publication rights without additional payment.

  3. Promotion Rights: Yangpu Culture and Tourism, Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum, and partners may promote selected works.

  4. No Entry Fee: The competition is free to enter.

  5. Final Interpretation: The organizing committee reserves the right to final interpretation.

  6. Contact: 021-60747195