Several cultural institutions, including China International Culture Association under the Ministry of Culture, launched a China Young Artists Project (CYAP) on Dec 26 in Beijing.

The semi-governmental, five-year program aims to put young artists at the forefront of the international art arena, said the association's vice-president Dong Junxin.

Works by young Chinese artists will be able to draw international attention, especially in North America and Europe, through exchange programs, organizers say.

Backed up by a panel of influential artists from China and abroad, the organizing committee is calling for entry applications from young Chinese artists, 100 of whom will be chosen for the project each year.

The deadline for entry application is March 25, 2012.