The city of Nantong, Jiangsu province, opened the 2014 Nantong International Contemporary Craft Biennale on Oct 24 in the city’s 1895 Cultural Creative Park, which was also recognized as a “WCC (Nantong) Creative Center” by the World Craft Council (WCC) at the opening ceremony.

Nantong of Jiangsu province holds an opening ceremony of the 2014 Nantong International Contemporary Craft Biennale on Oct 24 in the city’s 1895 Cultural Creative Park. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

The event, co-hosted by the WCC, China Arts and Crafts Association, Art and Design Academy of Tsinghua University and Nantong government, provides an opportunity for craft artists to show their talent and creativity and serves as a site for professional exchange and learning.

The biennale attracted more than 300 exhibits from over 40 countries, including sculptures, porcelain, embroideries, tapestries and fiber works.

The Nantong 1895 Cultural Creative Park is recognized as a “WCC (Nantong) Creative Center” by the World Craft Council (WCC) at the opening ceremony. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

Zhang Guohua, mayor of Nantong, appreciated the support of the WCC and China Arts and Crafts Association for the city’s development of its cultural industry. He believed that the event can promote the coordinated development of traditional handicraft and modern crafts.

Nantong enjoys a deep cultural heritage, said Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi, president of the WCC in the Asia-Pacific region. She spoke highly of the city’s contributions to contemporary craft development and hoped the city can enjoy smooth development in the cultural industry.

An exhibit of the Nantong International Contemporary Craft Biennale [Photo/zgnt.net]