Seven creative young artists have been honored for ideas that can invigorate traditional Chinese folk art. Even better, they have received cash prizes and free studio space in Ming Da Ai Tao Creative Plaza in Yangpu District to develop their ideas.

The curtain on the first Ming Da Ai Tao creative artwork solicitation fell last month. The theme was "Creative Shanghai, Classic China" and the idea was to infuse traditional arts with modern themes.

More than 300 artworks were submitted, including painting, sculpture and installation.

Ming Da Ai Tao Creative Design and the Shanghai People's Art Publishing House together launched the competition last December.

After several rounds of voting by professional judges and the public, there was one first-prize winner, three second-prize winners and three third-prize winners. The Special Grade Award - for creativity and technique - was not handed out as none of the works combined high levels of both.

First prize of 10,000 yuan (US$1,449) went to Yuan Zhengrong from the Sculpture Department of the Fine Arts College of Shanghai University for his bronze sculpture, "Qipao."

Second-prize winner Chen Xiang, from the university's Oil Painting Department, won a contract with Ming Da Ai Tao Creative Design in addition to the cash prize of 8,000 yuan. His painting "Window - the Past" depicts a window of an old house with mottled walls and dense electric lines outside.

The second runner-up won 5,000 yuan in cash.

"Winning prizes and gaining a contract won't guarantee a bright future," says Ma Xiaoyan, vice general manager of Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House. "There's much more to learn."

Ma says the contracted winners will study with famous artists and take part in international exchange programs. They will be given many opportunities to develop their talent.

"School courses are the only source for ideas and techniques for many art students," says Cheng Jianxin, dean of the Art Design and Media Department of East China University of Science and Technology. "Yet a broad vision is essential for a mature artists."

Cheng suggests art graduates plunge into life and get the feeling of society and the market.

"The gap between artistic achievement and social recognition has long been a problem. Better communication between artists and producers may help, and the art solicitation is a step in the right direction," says Wang Jianguo, vice president of Fine Art College of Shanghai University and one of the judges.

Though Chen has a lot of school work ahead, he considers the competition a great opportunity to cooperate with Ming Da Ai Tao Creative Design, as traditional folk art is an attractive world for oil painters.