The 4th International Children's Art Exhibition (ICAE) will open in Beijing in August, with children from more than 50 countries expected to participate, organizers say.

The year-long exhibition includes displays and performances on calligraphy, paintings, photographs, singing, dancing and music, Li Pinzhi, executive secretary-general of the organizing committee, told Xinhua on Friday.

"We estimate the participants will come from more than 50 countries, up from 36 at the last exhibition," he said.

Organized by the China International Exhibition Agency under the Ministry of Culture, the Beijing Municipal UNESCO Clubs Association and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, the ICAE is an international competition linked to the 2008 Olympics. The winning items are expected be displayed in Beijing, Li said.

The organizers will invite and collect entries via domestic cultural organizations and Chinese embassies to other countries, and the jury for this year's contest will come from more than 10 countries, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2006)