From 16 February to 2 March 2026, the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan presents the children’s art exhibition “When the Lanterns Are Lit”, dedicated to one of the most poetic and meaningful traditional celebrations of Chinese culture — the Lantern Festival.
The project is implemented by the “You Are an Artist” Painting School in cooperation with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty, with the support of the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs.
The Lantern Festival is a celebration of light, the circle, the moon, and family warmth. Its central idea is reunion — bringing loved ones together and fostering a sense of unity, joy, and harmony.
The exhibition is aimed at supporting and fostering children’s creativity, strengthening intercultural dialogue, and introducing a broad audience to the traditions of Chinese culture through the lens of children’s perception. At the heart of the exhibition are universal values that unite different peoples and generations: family and reunion, the continuity of traditions, and light as a symbol of warmth and hope.
Young artists turn to images of the full moon, glowing lanterns, family celebrations, home comfort, friendship, and mutual understanding. Their works are filled with sincere emotions, imagination, and a personal interpretation of a festival that symbolizes the conclusion of the Lunar New Year cycle and the unity of people.
The exhibition features artworks by children and teenagers aged 5 to 17, created using a variety of painting and graphic techniques. Each piece stands out for its originality, expressive imagery, and emotional depth, showcasing the richness of children’s imagination and artistic thinking.
The exhibition will open on 23 February 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with the participation of representatives of the Chinese Consulate, the project organizers, teachers, parents, and the young artists. The event will be a festive cultural occasion highlighting the importance of art education and international cultural cooperation.
The exhibition “When the Lanterns Are Lit” will serve as a vivid example of how children’s creativity can act as a bridge between cultures, contributing to the strengthening of cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China through the development of art, dialogue, and creative exchange.
The exhibition dedicated to the Lantern Festival will feature 80 selected works by children. As part of the event, participating children will be awarded certificates of recognition.
The exhibition will run until 2 March 2026.
