I. Background
Art, aesthetics, science, and technology are increasingly intertwined, each advancing the other in ways that reflect the evolving spirit of the times. Entering a new era of development, kinetic sculpture—an art form that first emerged in the 1950s—has seen a remarkable revival. In particular, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has fostered a closer and more dynamic relationship between art, society, and technology. The collision of cutting-edge technologies with traditional sculptural practices has infused kinetic sculpture with fresh meaning and contemporary relevance.
The integration of art and science is a core academic philosophy and distinguishing feature of the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University. In the context of broad institutional reform, the Academy continues to leverage Tsinghua’s comprehensive academic strengths to promote deeper and more wide-ranging interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of this initiative, the Department of Sculpture launched the Movement & Action – China International Kinetic Sculpture Exhibition, organizing two major international exhibitions and academic symposiums in 2015 and 2017. These events had a significant impact both nationally and internationally.
II. Exhibition Purpose
The exhibition Movement & Action: The 3rd China International Kinetic Sculpture Exhibition aims to deepen research and engagement in kinetic sculpture, advance innovation at the intersection of art and science, and encourage cultural renewal and global dialogue. Building on the momentum of its previous two editions, this year’s exhibition draws its title—Tianxing Yidong （Movement & Action）—from Tsinghua University’s motto, “Self-discipline and Social Commitment.”
The exhibition seeks to respond to the future through the language of sculpture. It aims to explore how artists can demonstrate forward-thinking creativity in the context of rapidly advancing digital technologies and artificial intelligence, how they interpret the conceptual shift from reality to virtuality, how they embody the responsibilities of artists in a new era, and how interdisciplinary innovation can shape the cultivation of future talents. Ultimately, the exhibition aspires to foster high-quality integration between art and technology and to guide new academic directions in the development of sculptural art.
III. Exhibition Details
Exhibition Dates: July – the end of August 2025
Venue: Exhibition Hall 17, Ground Floor of China Art Museum (Shanghai Art Museum)
Scale: Approximately 50 physical works and 30 video-based works
IV. Call for Submissions
1.Eligibility
Artists from all countries, ethnicities, age groups, and genders who align with the theme and purpose of this exhibition and possess sculptural creation capabilities are welcome to apply.
2.Artwork Requirements
(1) Submitted works must be kinetic sculptures (physical or video-based) created within the past five years (i.e., after December 2020).
(2) Submissions should demonstrate strong innovation, experimentation, and artistic value, and must not involve any ideological sensitivities.
(3) Physical works should be appropriately sized and mechanically suited for indoor display; video works should reflect the use of advanced technologies developed in recent years.
(4) Large-scale outdoor sculptures, works that are difficult to transport, or virtual kinetic sculpture proposals should be submitted in video format.
(5) All entries must be original works by the submitting artist. Submissions must not infringe upon the copyrights, publication rights, portrait rights, patent rights, or any other legal rights of any third party, whether domestic or international. Submissions involving plagiarism or unauthorized imitation are strictly prohibited. The organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify and remove works found to be in violation, and any resulting legal liability shall be borne by the artist.
3.Submission Guidelines
(1) All submissions must be completed online.
(2) Each artist may submit 1 to 3 works.(3) Submissions must be emailed to: website@csin.org.cn no later than 24:00, May 5, 2025 (Beijing time). Late submissions will not be accepted.
(4) Submissions must include the following four components:
-Images or video of the submitted work(s)
-Completed Exhibition Registration Form
-Personal photograph
-Identification document
Specifications:
Images should be in JPG format, minimum resolution 300 DPI.
Video should be in MP4 format, minimum resolution 1080P.
Do not include any textual overlays on images or video.
File naming format: Name, Title, Year, Dimensions, Material, e.g., Alexander Calder, Untitled, 1942, 34×20×15cm, Metal
The registration form must be accurately and completely filled out. The form can be downloaded from the China Sculpture Institute website: www.csin.org.cn
The personal photo and identification file must be at least 300 DPI in resolution.
(5) No application or exhibition fees will be charged.
4.Selection Process
(1) All submissions will be reviewed by the Exhibition Art Committee.
(2) Selected artists will be notified directly and sent a formal invitation. Non-selected applicants will not be individually notified.
5.Additional Information
(1) Participating artists will receive an official exhibition certificate from the organizers.
(2) Shipping costs for both delivery and return of the artworks will be covered by the organizers.
(3) Artwork acquisition is voluntary. If selected for acquisition, the purchase fee will be negotiated directly between the acquiring institution and the artist. A collection certificate will be issued by the acquiring institution.
(4) The organizers reserve the right to edit and publish selected works in the official exhibition catalogue or related publications.
(5) Artworks will be returned to the artists within one month after the exhibition ends, unless otherwise confirmed for acquisition.
(6) Submission of works constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of all terms and conditions outlined in this call for submissions.
V. Organizational Structure
Organizers
Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
China Sculpture Institute
China Art Museum (Shanghai Art Museum)
Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts
Executive Organizers
Department of Sculpture, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
Exhibition Department, China Sculpture Institute
Department of Sculpture, Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts
Support Units
Shanghai Artists Association
Beijing Artists Association
Kinetic Art Organization (KAO)
Academic Supporters
Sculpture Department of China Central Academy of Fine Arts
Sculpture Department of China Academy of Art
Sculpture Department of Luxun Academy of Fine Arts
Sculpture Department of Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts
Sculpture Department of Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts
Sculpture Department of Hubei Academy of Fine Arts
Sculpture Department of Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts
Sculpture Department of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts
Executive Planning Director
Zeng Chenggang, Wang Yichuan
Academic Host
Sun Zhenhua
Curator
Chen Hui, Zhang Yue
Executive Curator
Feng Chongli
Executive Curatorial Team
Yan Kun, Zhang Shenghua, Shi Dan
Director of Art Committee
Zeng Chenggang
Art Committee Members
Sun Zhenhua, Lyu Pinchang, Jiao Xingtao, Yin Xiaofeng, Ji Shaofeng, Zhai Qingxi, Lin Gang, Dong Shubing, Zhang Wei, Tan Xun, Ralfonso, Chen Ke, Zhang Songtao, Chen Hui, Guo Hang, Yu Chenxing, Feng Chongli, Chen Xiaochun, Zheng Jing, Xiao Min
General Coordinator
Hua Chunjiang, Jiang Chunhui
Exhibition Promoter
Hu Yuduo
Office Director of the Art Committee
Liu Meixia
Members of the Art Committee Office
Shao Yuejiao, Lyu Wentao, Zhang Zhuoming, Wang Jing, Luo Ping, Ding Xuezhu, Wu Xiaoli, Zhuang Jingnan
Download：Registration Form.doc
