2025 Shanghai International Paper Art Biennale

About the Open Call

Between November 1st, 2025 and February 28, 2026, the 2025 Shanghai International Paper Art Biennale, titled “PAPER & WATER", will be held in the coastal city of Shanghai, China. This event marks the "Ten years of progress, ten years of spring and autumn" international Paper Art exhibition, intended to be held concurrently with the IAPMA Congress 2025 in Shanghai. The exhibition will be juried by the Organizing Committee, consisting of officials from Shanghai Fengxian Museum and the Shanghai International Paper Art Biennale's Organizing team. Submitted artworks can be two- or three- dimensional paper artworks, accepting all paper-related techniques such as casting, folding, paper maché, pulp painting, and encaustic. Categories include book art, paper collage, paper fashion, paper jewelry, and paper installations. Artists can submit up to 3 artworks. The Organizing Committee appreciates artworks donated to the museum after the exhibition. Theme: “PAPER & WATER.” This theme explores water's role as a fundamental element in nature, traditional Chinese philosophy (symbolizing purity, transformation, clarity, calm, fertile life, and longevity), and its critical importance in hand papermaking and the creation of paper art. It emphasizes the flow of water in processing raw materials and allowing artists to maintain variability in their works, thus creating diverse possibilities for paper art. The theme reflects both historical and humanistic meanings and the local nature of contemporary art creation.

What is Offered

Opportunity to exhibit paper artworks at the 2025 Shanghai International Paper Art Biennale.

Requirements

Submitted artworks must be two- or three-dimensional paper artworks, utilizing paper-related techniques. Artists may submit up to 3 artworks. Artworks must not contain political, religious, or anti-Chinese content, nor local language content from other countries without an English explanation. Minimum dimensions for 2-dimensional works are 50 x 50 cm (20 x 20 inches), and for 3-dimensional works, 50 x 50 x 50 cm (20 x 20 x 20 inches). Paper installations have no size limit but must be packaged conveniently for transportation. All artworks must arrive ready for display, either framed or with necessary special hooks/hardware and an installation/handling/caretaking manual. Works must be shipped in safe and reusable packaging.

How to Apply

Applicants must fill out the provided entry form, including the title, dimensions, medium, description, and intent of their work. A minimum of 3 digital pictures of the artwork (600-800 dpi in .jpg or .tif format) are required. A brief CV (A4 size in .doc format) in both Chinese and English, and a personal portrait photo (400*600 dpi in .jpg format) must also be submitted. Images should be labeled as 'Surname_Artwork title_Number listed on Entry Form'. If artworks contain non-English textual expressions, a separate English explanation of their meaning and creative concept must be provided. Application documents should be sent via email to Anson Ou at ansonou@feastsonpaper.com. Further details and required forms can be found in the attached regulations and entry form documents on the website.