Li Ming, dean of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts delivered a speech during the launching ceremony of 2013 China Datong International Sculpture Biennial, on Sept 28.

The 2013 China Datong International Sculpture Biennial, and the selection of winners of the Zengzhushao Sculpture Fellowship, got off to a great start Sept 28, at Heyang Gallery, in the city of Datong, Shanxi province, with more than 100 well-known sculptors from China and abroad on hand for the launching ceremony, along with young artists from various Chinese art colleges, who were greeted by Li Junming, the mayor of Datong.

Li said that the event is an important part of his city's revival as a famous ancient city and its many outstanding sculptures will cause it to continue to innovate and create more artwork and promote its brand as "China's sculpture city". He said he hope the artists can look closer at Datong's culture industry to help its culture prosper.

The 2013 China Datong International sculpture Biennial, which runs for three months, to Dec 28, is just one part of the 2013 China (Datong) Yungang Cultural Tourism Festival, sponsored by the Chinese Artists Association, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Chinese Sculpture Academy, and the Datong municipal government.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw