2nd Session of the Lancang-Mekong Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop Hosted by Yunnan Minzu University

Advance Notice for Enrollment in the Metal and Stone Craft Techniques and Innovation Workshop

Yunnan Minzu University plans to hold the 2024 Lancang-Mekong Metal and Stone Craft Techniques and Innovation Workshop in Kunming, China, in October 2024. This program aims to promote the protection, inheritance, and exchange of intangible cultural heritage from countries in the Lancang-Mekong region.

I. Introduction to the Host

Yunnan Minzu University, established in 1951, is a provincial key university co-founded by the Ministry of Education, the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, and the People's Government of Yunnan Province. Housing a student body of 34,000 and a faculty and staff of 1,729, the university spans an area of 2,500 mu (approximately 166.6 hectares). It prioritizes international cooperation and exchange, serving as a vital gateway for China's and Yunnan's opening up to the world. Over the years, Yunnan Minzu University has welcomed heads of states and regions, government officials, experts, scholars, and international friends from more than 80 countries and regions.

II. Duration, Location, and Course Schedule

This program is scheduled to be held from October 25 to November 2, 2024, in Kunming and Tengchong, Yunnan Province. The tentative schedule is as follows:

First Stage: Enrollment (July 26 to September 1, 2024). Promotion activities and participant selection will be conducted during this stage.

Second Stage: Preparation (September 1 to October 24, 2024). Admission letters and visas will be issued to the selected participants, who are required to bring a handicraft work (finished or semi-finished) for technical exchange and exhibition during the program.

Third Stage: Registration (October 25, 2024). On this date, participants will check in at the venue of the event.

Fourth Stage: Implementation (October 26 to October 31, 2024). The program will proceed at Yunnan Minzu University, featuring hands-on sessions and visits to Kunming and Tengchong.

Fifth Stage: Closing Ceremony and Exhibition (November 1-2, 2024). A closing ceremony and an exhibition of works will be held. The Lancang-Mekong Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop will collect outstanding works and issue certificates to their creators. Return trips home will be arranged for participants.

III. Faculty and Content for the Workshop

(I) Faculty and Professionals Invited

This program is organized based on the excellent faculty and teaching resources of the Lancang-Mekong International Vocational Institute of Yunnan Minzu University. It features a diverse panel of experts, including national-level inheritors of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, as well as esteemed professors, famous teachers, and craft masters from several prestigious institutions such as the Tsinghua University Academy of Fine Arts, Shandong University of Art & Design, Donghua University, Yunnan Arts University, and the School of Jewelry at West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences. These professionals will participate in discussions and exchanges during the event.

(II) Content of the Workshop

This program will cover topics such as creative ideas and traditional aesthetics, contemporary design and cultural thinking, an overview of ethnic and folk crafts, technique exchange, and knowledge of metal, stone, and crafts.

IV. Enrollment Requirements

This program primarily recruits metal and stone craft technicians and inheritors from Thailand, Cambodia, and other Mekong Basin countries. It is planned to enroll 16 international participants and 4 domestic participants, totaling 20 people.

Conditions:

1. Under 45 years old, in good health, without underlying diseases (a health certificate required).

2.Holding a high school degree or above, with basic proficiency in English or Chinese.

3. Having experience in metal art (including jewelry design) or stone crafts processing, production, and study.

4.Holding a passport valid for at least 6 months.

V. Expenses

The program covers the costs of round-trip transportation to China, food and accommodation, study activities, transportation (group travel), and insurance during the program.Personal expenses, however, will not be covered by the program. Accommodation will be provided in standard twin rooms at a three-star hotel.

VI.Application Procedure and Materials Required

The program team does not accept handwritten applications. Please send the following documents to the email: ynmdlmxy@ymu.edu.cn before September 20, 2024:

1.Electronic application form (filled in on a computer).

2.High-resolution scanned copy or photo of the front page and detailed information page of your passport (PDF or JPG format).

3. Photo of your representative work (JPG high-resolution format, over a 2MB size).

Successful applicants will receive official admission notifications. For inquiries, please contact us via email. 

VII. Review of Previous Workshops

The 2023 Lancang-Mekong Dyeing, Weaving, Embroidery Techniques andInnovation Workshop invited 17 artisans and university teachers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam in fields such as weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and fashion design. The highlights are as follows link:

http://ynat.ynni.edu.cn/web/74817/showartical?ArticalId=8ad8f7e1-4f93-4963-b148-1d7f4e839201