To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and in response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Youth Felt Art Co-Creation Project — “Connection: Illuminating The Future With Intangible Cultural Legacy” was officially launched on June 6. The project is co-initiated by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research New York Office (UNITAR-NYO), the International Academy For Arts and Cultural Studies (IAA), and the Shanghai Public Art Cooperation Center (PACC); jointly implemented by the Shanghai Educational Center of Science & Art, Teachers College at Columbia University, the International Institute of Public Art at Shanghai University, and Shanghai Marie Painting Materials Co., Ltd.; and initiated by Professor Jin Jiangbo, a leading theorist and advocate in the field of public art.

 

Connection Exhibition Poster

 

This project aims to build a global platform for artistic dialogue among youth through the medium of traditional felt-making—an intangible cultural heritage practice. Through collective artistic creation, young participants will express their reflections and visions on shared human concerns such as peace, hope, health, and home.

 

The project is now open for submissions from youth aged 6 to 18 worldwide. Under the artistic guidance of Professor Jin Jiangbo, selected co-created works will be presented as:

✦ A large-scale installation in the lobby of the United Nations Headquarters during the UN General Assembly 80th Anniversary Closing Ceremony (December 2025);
✦ Wearable artworks at UN High-Level Political Forum (September 2025);
✦ 2026 Global Tour: Advocating for arts equity in underserved regions

 

Official Participation Guidelines

I. Eligibility and Timeline

Eligible Participants:

Youth aged 6 to 18 worldwide, regardless of nationality or location.

 

Submission Periods:

(1) First Round Submission Deadline:

Now through August 1, 2025

Exhibition Opportunities:

Wearable artworks at UN High-Level Political Forum (September 2025)

A large-scale installation in the lobby of the United Nations Headquarters during the UN General Assembly 80th Anniversary Closing Ceremony (December 2025);
2026 Global Touring Exhibition

 

(2) Second Round Submission Deadline:

Now through October 1, 2025

Exhibition Opportunities:

A large-scale installation in the lobby of the United Nations Headquarters during the UN General Assembly 80th Anniversary Closing Ceremony (December 2025);
2026 Global Touring Exhibition

 

II. How to Participate

 

Step 1: Obtain the Official Project Support Kit

 

■ What’s Included in the Project Support Kit:
To ensure fairness and align with the UN’s sustainability goals, PACC has thoughtfully prepared a comprehensive support package for every participant.

Each kit includes:

Materials: 16 colors of wool, a felt base, artwork packaging bag, return shipping box, instructional guide card, and artwork information card

Tools（Optional）

Artwork ID Labels: Each kit contains a unique artwork identification number

Online Instructional Course Access

Official Digital Certificate: Issued by PACC upon participation

Eligibility for Selection: Submitted works will be reviewed for inclusion in exhibition opportunities, including the United Nations showcases

UN Digital Certificate: Awarded to selected participants whose works are exhibited at UN venues

※ Each participant may submit up to six works.

 

Scan the QR code to learn about the toolkit
 

How to Purchase:

Project Support Kit (Without Tools):  $42/unit (with free shipping)

Note：Designed for individuals who already possess felting tools.

 

Project Support Kit (With Tools):  $49/unit (with free shipping)

Note：Intended for those new to felting. Participants under the age of 14 must be supervised by an adult during use.

 

Please scan the QR code below to complete the form with your contact details and shipping address.

 

Please pay the amount to the following PayPal account：hihi_bai.@hotmail.com

In the payment note, please include the email address you provided in the form for verification purposes.

 

Step 2: Complete Online Registration

Participants who have received the Project Support Kit should follow the instructions provided on the guide card and log into the official project platform via mobile (hosted by the Shanghai Educational Center of Science & Art) to formally register for the project.

 

Step 3: Begin Creating

Watch the instructional videos linked on the guide card, which include thematic guidance and felt-making tutorials, and complete the creation of your felt artwork.

 

Step 4: Upload Artwork Photo and Creative Statement

Participants should upload clear photographs of their completed work along with a written statement about their creation to the project platform of the Shanghai Educational Center of Science & Art. Upon submission, each participant will receive a digital certificate of participation issued by PACC.

 

Step 5: Submit Your Artwork by Mail

Following the instructions provided on the guide card, carefully package your artwork and mail it to the official designated address before the submission deadline.

 

Step 6: Stay Informed

All submitted works will be reviewed and further developed by artist Professor Jin Jiangbo. Selected participants will be notified via SMS, official WeChat posts, or other platforms such as Xiaohongshu. We encourage all participants to follow the official PACC accounts to stay updated.

Follow-Up for Selected Artists:

Once notified of selection, artists must record and upload a short message video through the project platform of the Shanghai Educational Center of Science & Art.
All selected exhibitors will receive an official digital certificate of participation issued by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

 

Final Note

We sincerely invite young people from around the world to pick up felt and, through the lens of intangible cultural heritage, express their shared vision for a brighter future.
Your creation may be showcased on the world’s highest stage—the United Nations—carrying a message of hope and strength to the global community.

 

Act now—connect to the future.
Follow PACC’s official WeChat account to receive the latest project updates.