About Us
Exemplifying Cultural and Artistic Exchange through Lancang-Mekong Cooperation
The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism, representing a crucial aspect of China’s surrounding diplomacy, was collectively initiated by China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Framed around three pillars – political security, economic and sustainable development, and socio-cultural matters – the LMC mechanism fosters collaboration and understanding.
The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Art & Design Award, financially supported by the LMC Special Fund under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is an international design contest co-hosted by an impressive roster of institutions, including the China Center for International Communication Development, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Yunnan University, Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia, the University of Bangkok, the National University of Laos, the Royal University of Phnom Penh, and Myanmar’s Fuqing School. Launched in 2020, this competition has been consistently held and has gained considerable recognition and influence within the international arts and design community, particularly within the Lancang-Mekong Region. Its fifth iteration is now underway.
June 8, 2021 marked the commencement ceremony of the “2021 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation International Poster Design Competition,” one of the key events within the Sixth Lancang-Mekong Foreign Ministers’ Meeting series. Attended by delegates such as China’s then State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai, and Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bui Thanh Son, the ceremony was a jubilant celebration of cross-cultural collaboration. It sparked enthusiasm among designers worldwide, inviting them to express the laudable vision of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation through art and beauty, thereby stimulating cultural exchange across member countries. On October 9, 2021, the “Green Lancang-Mekong · 2021 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation International Poster Exhibition” was unveiled in Dali, Yunnan as part of the COP15 side-events, featuring a carefully curated selection of 50 standout posters from a broad range of entries, earning universal acclaim from attendees. In 2021, the “Lancang-Mekong Cooperation International Poster Design Competition” made the cut on the “Top Ten News of China’s Participation in Mekong Sub-Regional Cooperation,” a merit list compiled by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation China Secretariat and other related institutions.
In July 2022, the Seventh Lancang-Mekong Foreign Ministers’ Meeting launched the “Joint Statement on Deepening Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Framework”. It explicitly called for mutual backing in partaking in international arts festivals within the region while promoting dialogue and interactions between mainstream cultural bodies and prominent figures in culture. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Design Award (LMCDA), being one of the scarce artistic design-oriented interactions within the Lancang-Mekong area, has gained heightened attention and wide-spread affirmation from all relevant parties.
Throughout 2022, despite the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 outbreak, LMCDA managed to carry on as planned. It built upon the successful groundwork of the prior year while welcoming fresh progress. The contest expanded with the addition of a bamboo and rattan weaving segment, and the engagement of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization as part of the ensemble of organizers. This move further amplified the competition’s societal involvement and its international impact.
In 2023, LMCDA substantially deepened its cooperation with the city of Chongqing. The inauguration ceremony was held during the “Lancang-Mekong Week” event in Chongqing that year, attended by ambassadors from Mekong countries in China, including Thai Ambassador to China, Atthayut Srisamut. Distinguished guests such as leaders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chongqing city officials, and representatives from sponsoring organizations graced the event with their speeches. Acknowledging the crucial role played by Chongqing in the Lancang-Mekong cooperation, the committee invited the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute as a co-host and launched a unique “Chongqing Theme” competition section. They aimed to attract more Chongqing-centric design entries, exhibiting through imaginative designs, the crucial role of Chongqing in the Lancang-Mekong cooperation.
In 2024, LMCDA will continue into its fifth edition and is renamed the “Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Art & Design Award.” This year’s event goes a step further than the previous competitions, intensifying its focus on promoting green and clean energy cooperation among the Lancang-Mekong countries. Groundbreaking and innovative content will be consistently emphasized, with the addition of an AI-related poster design category. This new section encourages artists from all participating countries to produce more inventive works, fostering a higher level of cultural and artistic exchange within the Lancang-Mekong region.
Statistical Data
（2020-2023）
Special Thanks
Since the commencement of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Art & Design Award, we have been graced with the financial backing of the Diplomatic Ministry's Special Fund for Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, as well as formidable support from the Chinese diplomatic missions in Lancang-Mekong nations, global organizations, and corresponding provincial and municipal governmental units. Our efforts have been embraced with endearing attention and care from various sectors of society. We would like to convey our profound gratitude to all!
- Key cultural exchange between China and Mekong River countries
- Involvement from Lancang-Mekong basin, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others.
- Yields many excellent posters and bamboo/rattan weavings.
- Awarded works used for public welfare displays
- Active participation from multiple art and design institutions from Lancang-Mekong countries
- Broadened and enriched competition scope
- Extensive societal support with continuous media focus
- Exploration of new activities like art workshops and exchange