The China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) not only provides brilliant art performances, but also serves as an important platform to bring new artists to the public eye.

The Rising Artists' Works (RAW) program has remained a vibrant original art section of the annual art carnival since it was established in 2012. With a mission of "gathering young people's creative talents, carrying forward the original strength of China," the program has commissioned 65 new works by 78 young artists over the past seven years.

At the ongoing 21st edition of the art festival, six commissioned works, nearly 100 performances, exhibitions, and lectures under the "Rising Artists' Works" program will be held. The six commissioned works cover drama, music, dance, multimedia, shadow play, and other art categories.

"New media performance: Avatar• Mythology" is one of the six commissioned works. Drawing on the worldview of Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), a Chinese classic of mythic geography and beasts, the play instills contemporary, philosophical contemplation into a newly conceived story.

"I'm very appreciative for the opportunity Rising Artists' Works provides at the China Shanghai International Arts Festival. It brings young artists together, creating this innovative work," Zhang Yinan, producer of the show, said during an interview with CGTN.

"Rising Artists' Works focuses on discovering and exploring the power of Chinese artists. Our support includes the foundation and help of professional masters. We are all here to help them, offering them more chances," Xu Xin, Executive Producer of Rising Artists' Works, told CGTN.

Video by Liang Si, Li Yimei

Cover image designed by Du Chenxin