Young artists, whether they are pursuing a career in drama, music or the visual arts, need proper guidance and public exposure to take their dreams to the next level.  The 7th annual New Star Art Festival in Zhengzhong city in central China, gives rising stars a platform to do just that.

The pictures and sculptures you see are not the works of masters, but were created by young, ordinary artists, who worked with passion and persistence.

This exhibition is designed to give young artists more public exposure. Anyone can take part, and it doesn’t cost anything to participate, the only entry criteria is that you exhibit your works for free.

Art collectors often visit the non-profit exhibition to discover China's next generation of talent.

The New Star Art Festival also hosts an annual competition in order to support and encourage young Chinese artists. Each year, up and coming artists submit their best work to be judged by an international panel.

100 artists were selected to take part in the final competition this year.

Organizers say they want to promote diversity in contemporary cities and encourage efforts to incorporate art into public life.

The New Star Art Festival represents artistic freedom, independence, innovation, and exploration.

Initiated in 2010, the event strives to be a platform for young contemporary artists to promote and market their works.