The 2026 Zhejiang Province “Intangible Cultural Heritage + AI/AR” Innovation Case Collection Campaign
To encourage faculty members and students to actively engage in cultural innovation and the integration of digital technologies, we hereby forward the relevant information regarding the 2026 Zhejiang Province “Intangible Cultural Heritage + AI/AR” Innovation Case Collection Campaign. Interested faculty members and students are invited to review the requirements and submit applications accordingly.
I. Background
In recent years, China has vigorously implemented the Opinions on Advancing the National Cultural Digitalization Strategy, positioning cutting-edge technologies such as AI and AR as core drivers for the protection and innovation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). As a province rich in ICH resources and a leading hub for the digital economy, Zhejiang is actively aligning with national strategic goals and striving to establish a new paradigm for the digital preservation and dynamic inheritance of ICH.
To fully implement the “Digital Intelligence Empowerment Initiative” outlined in the Zhejiang Province Action Plan for the Inheritance and Development of Intangible Cultural Heritage, it has been decided to officially launch the 2026 Zhejiang Province “ICH + AI/AR” Innovation Case Collection Campaign under the theme “Empowering Intangible Heritage with Intelligence, Creating the Future.”
This campaign aims to discover and cultivate a number of benchmark innovative cases, establish a sustainable mechanism for the digital and intelligent development of ICH through the positive approach of “promoting innovation through cases and inheritance through innovation,” and enable centuries-old intangible cultural heritage to flourish in the digital era.
II. Organizational Structure
(1) Organizers
Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center
(Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum)
(2) Co-organizers
Co-organizers: Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang Normal University, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Wenzhou-Kean University, Hangzhou City University, School of Animation and Games of China Academy of Art, and Institute of Cultural Heritage of Zhejiang University.
III. Collection Categories and Requirements
This campaign focuses on the core resources of Zhejiang’s intangible cultural heritage and features two major themes, balancing technological innovation, content creation, and practical application scenarios. All submitted works must be based on provincial-level or above Zhejiang ICH projects and integrate AI/AR technologies as the core creative medium. Pure technology demonstrations unrelated to Zhejiang ICH themes are strictly prohibited.
(1) Theme One: ICH AI/AR Video Creation
Creative Direction:
Participants are encouraged to create AI short videos, AR immersive experiences, or AI-generated and interactive audiovisual works based on traditional opera and musical repertoires, with Zhejiang ICH projects as the core content. Creators are encouraged to deeply explore the beauty of craftsmanship, the spirit of artisanship, and the stories of inheritance behind Zhejiang’s ICH. Through AI/AR-generated visuals, animation effects, intelligent editing, and other technical means, works should showcase the dynamic charm and contemporary vitality of intangible cultural heritage. Entries must align closely with the campaign theme, focus on the inheritance and innovation of ICH craftsmanship, promote positive values, and be suitable for dissemination and public promotion.
Submission Requirements:
MP4 format, 1080P or above, duration within 5 minutes, and file size no larger than 200MB. Applicants should also submit the title of the work, a brief introduction, and the creative concept together with the entry.
Note:
For AR-oriented creative teams, the organizers, in collaboration with Hangzhou Lingban Technology Co., Ltd., will provide a dedicated platform featuring point-cloud spatial technology, along with technical guidance and creative training.
(2) Theme Two: ICH AI Cultural & Creative Product and IP Design
Creative Direction:
Inspired by Zhejiang ICH projects and exhibition resources from the Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, participants are encouraged to use AI technologies to design cultural and creative products, develop ICH music IP derivatives (such as intelligent composition tools and virtual musicians), and explore creative extensions based on Zhejiang ICH elements, museum symbols, and cultural imagery. Works may include visual identities, cultural products, storybooks, digital collectibles, and other diverse forms, exploring the integration of intangible heritage with modern life.
Submission Requirements:
Design drawings or photos of physical samples (JPG/PNG format, at least 5 images including detail shots)
Design video (MP4 format, 1080P or above, no more than 5 minutes, file size within 200MB)
Submissions must include the title, project introduction, and creative concept.
IV. Eligibility Requirements
(1) Applicants
The campaign is open to the public. Applications may be submitted individually or in teams of no more than six members. Cross-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, especially among ICH inheritors, technology developers, university faculty and students, and cultural creative practitioners.
(2) Eligibility Restrictions
Submitted works must be original and must not infringe upon any third party’s intellectual property rights, portrait rights, reputation rights, or other lawful rights and interests. Any infringement will result in disqualification and legal liability.
Works that have already won awards in other competitions or have been commercially applied are not eligible. The same work may not be submitted under multiple themes.
Applicants must comply with all campaign regulations and submit works and related materials on time. Late submissions will be regarded as automatic withdrawal.
Applicants understand and agree that, upon submission, they irrevocably and permanently grant the Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and all affiliated or cooperating parties a worldwide, free, non-commercial license to use all submitted materials (including but not limited to text, images, audio, video, and design proposals) for public welfare promotion, exhibition, research, and publicity purposes.
V. Submission Requirements
(1) Submission Deadline
Before July 15, 2026.
(2) Submission Method
Please submit all application materials via the designated cloud storage link below:
File naming format: Team Name + Contact Information
Please organize all materials into a single folder before uploading, and ensure that all files are complete, clearly labeled, and accessible.
The Attachment must be submitted in Chinese or in a bilingual Chinese-English version. English-only submissions will not be accepted.
VI. Selected Cases and Additional Benefits
Certificates will be awarded to all selected works and creative teams.
Selected cases will be exhibited offline at the Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and promoted simultaneously through all-media publicity channels.
Outstanding core team members may be invited to participate in roundtable sharing sessions.
Contact Information:
Contact Number of the Organizing Committee: 0571-87093208 / 15205708555
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (Office of Government and Community Outreach)x Michael Graves College
Attachment 1:
