The 20th Edition of the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair to Light up Shenzhen in Late May
The bustling city of Shenzhen is gearing up to host the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), a prominent event in the cultural landscape of China. Slated for May 23 to 27, 2024, this year’s edition is expected to be a grand fusion of culture, technology, and international collaboration. With preparations in full swing, the fair promises to offer an expansive platform for cultural exchange and industry growth.
Shenzhen’s rise as a global cultural hub will be further solidified with an unprecedented number of exhibitors at the 20th ICIF. A record-breaking 6,015 exhibitors, consisting of government agencies, cultural institutions, and leading enterprises, are set to participate. This represents a significant increase from previous editions, pointing to the fair’s growing prestige in the cultural sphere.
The fair is taking bold steps towards fostering global cultural exchange, featuring 302 exhibitors from 60 different countries and regions. Among the international participants is the Frankfurt Book Fair, heralded as the largest of its kind in the world. For the first time, an International Cultural Trade Hall will be set up, aiming to be a melting pot of diverse cultural trades and exchanges. This new venue will host enterprises and organizations from a myriad of locations including Spain, Scotland, Japan, and Nepal, providing a unique platform for international cultural commerce.
Domestic giants in technology, such as Tencent and ByteDance, will also grace the event, bringing with them the latest innovations in the cultural sphere. The fair will spotlight China’s burgeoning “new three items” in cultural exports: net literature, web drama, and online gaming. These sectors have captured the imagination of global audiences, marking a new era in China’s cultural outreach.
The layout of the 20th ICIF is meticulously planned across 8 distinct pavilions, with three dedicated to showcasing a broad spectrum of cultural enterprises, products, and projects from regional governments across China. The other five pavilions are curated around specific themes or categories such as intangible cultural heritage, arts & design, film & television, e-sports, cultural tourism & consumption, and international trade, ensuring a diverse and rich array of cultural experiences for attendees.
The Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center will serve as the main venue for this grand event, supported by 52 branch venues peppered throughout the city. In an innovative move, a virtual reality (VR) version of the ICIF will be available, allowing global participants to engage with the fair virtually through its official website and WeChat account.
With expectations of attracting over 90,000 on-site buyers and an additional 30,000 international buyers participating either online or offline, the 20th ICIF is poised to become a landmark event in the global cultural industry. This fair not only underscores Shenzhen’s position on the world stage but also illustrates the vibrant, interconnected nature of today’s cultural landscape.
As the dates approach, both participants and spectators alike are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of culture, art, and technology, marking a new chapter in the history of the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair.
