The organisers of World Expo 2010 Shanghai today issued a worldwide invitation to artists to submit their designs and ideas for official World Expo mascots, 1,200 days ahead of the opening of the event.

The mass recruitment of mascot designs will run through May 31, 2007 and the winner will be announced by the end of the year. A prize of 200,000 yuan (US$25,000) will go to the winning entry.

"Mascots are very important in promoting the Expo in the public, especially among children," an official of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination said.

The organisers have set strict requirements for mascots to qualify for judging.

They should not only manifest the theme of the Expo "Better City, Better Life" and Chinese culture, but also be flexible in broadcasting and re-creation.

"We are expecting to have some Chinese-style innovative ideas about the mascots," the official said.

The vital elements also include having human characteristics and being able to be loved by the public.

Moreover, they should be eye-catching in advertisements, licensed products, Expo ads and graphic or 3-D animation in different mass media.

As well as encouraging the participation of design professionals from all around the world, the organizers want entries from local residents.

Applicants can download the competition forms and related documents from World Expo 2010's Official Website (http://www.expo2010china.com/expo/expoenglish/index.html) and hand in their work according to rules.

Online applications are not available. All the designs must be submitted to the recruiting office in the Expo Mansion (No. 3588 Pudong Road E. Shanghai China) by mail or in person.

The deadline of submitting is 6pm May 31, 2007.

The Expo is scheduled to run from May 1 to October 31, 2010.

Downloads:

Rules of the Mascot Design Solicitation for the Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Commitment Letter of the Author(s) for the Mascot Design Solicitation for Expo 2010 Shanghai China

The Registration Form of Mascot Design Solicitation for Expo 2010 Shanghai China