TEHRAN-The Second National Festival of Children and Adolescents’ Painting organized by the Embassy of People’s Republic of China and the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) from Iran concluded on Tuesday and an exhibition of the selected artworks was inaugurated at the Ghadir Hall of the IIDCYA in Tehran.

Titled “Family Customs of Iran and China,” the festival received 693 paintings by Iranian and Chinese children and young adults, among which, 24 works were selected as the winners, ISNA reported.

The event featured a performance by storyteller Elham Darabi and opening remarks by Farhad Fallah, the Deputy Director of the IIDCYA.

Fallah highlighted that the event is held concurrent with the National Children's Week, and referred to this year's theme being “For Children, For the Future”. He recalled that the origins of the Iran-China painting festival date back to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The first edition of the festival took place last year, following the idea of a joint cultural event between the two nations.

Fallah also mentioned that the topic of the first exhibition was “The Land of Legends,” which engaged young artists and enhanced cultural diplomacy efforts. He expressed hope that future festivals would continue to strengthen the bond between Iranian and Chinese children.

Also speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu expressed his delight in attending the ceremony and congratulated the winners. He emphasized the longstanding friendship between China and Iran, noting that events like this festival help build mutual understanding between the two nations. 

Hamed Alamati, the director of the IIDCYA, also stressed that children investing in children’s future is key to building strong ties between the two nations. He proposed that the next festival could focus on the Silk Road, a symbol of cultural exchange.

The exhibition showcasing the selected works will run until October 21 at the IIDCYA in Tehran.

Photo: Director of the IIDCYA Hamed Alamati (L) and Chinese Ambassador to Iran Cong Peiwu cut the ribbon at the launch of the exhibition of selected works at the IIDCYA in Tehran on October 8.

SS/SAB