The promotional post for the first Optics Valley Cultural and Creative Competition. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) launched the first Optics Valley Cultural and Creative Competition on Sept 20 in a bid to strengthen the valley's special cultural IP and other innovative and typical products.

The game is held by the valley's artistic design association and supported by the China National Academy of Painting, Wuhan University, Wuhan University of Technology and other local colleges.

Candidates are encouraged to either create animation IP images that crystalize the valley's unique culture and industries or make cultural and tourism souvenirs, artistic works and other special items that symbolize the valley's landmarks, tourist spots or other elements.

Individuals, R&D institutions and companies dedicated to creative design and intangible cultural heritage preservation, as well as outstanding college students and teachers, are welcome to sign up for the competition.

Registration will be open until Oct 31 and winners will be awarded by the end of November, after the assessment and publicity periods.

The first, second and third-place winners will be granted bonuses of 30,000 yuan ($4,179), 10,000 yuan and 1,000 yuan, respectively.

Please refer to the WeChat account “中国光谷” (Optics Valley of China) for detailed information about entry submission and contact channels.