Dunedin's reputation as a centre of artistic excellence is expected to be boosted by the ''Anything Could Happen'' collection of Dunedin-inspired art and fashion, which will be exhibited at the Yu Gallery, in Shanghai.
Dunedin City Council Ara Toi project co-ordinator Antony Deaker said artists and designers with links to the city had been asked to submit works.
Of the nearly 200 submissions, 45 works by 32 artists were selected for the exhibition.
They include art, fashion, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewellery - even shoe-making.
Today, the works will be photographed for the exhibition catalogue, and then carefully packaged for their trip to China later this month.
Otago Polytechnic fashion academic leader Margo Barton said it was a wonderful opportunity to promote Dunedin art.
''Otago Polytechnic is delighted to be collaborating with Enterprise Dunedin and Dunedin City Council on this project.
''The exhibition gives designers a rare chance to promote their work to an international audience at one of Shanghai's leading tourist spots.''
She said the Yu Gallery was at the Yu Yuan Gardens which were more than 400 years old. About 6 million people visited them each year.
Mr Deaker hoped the exhibition would have economic flow-on effects for the city.
''We hope to introduce our exhibitors to Shanghai artists, designers and event organisers for possible future collaborations.
''We'll also introduce them to dealers and agents which will hopefully support sales.''
The exhibition runs from May 7 until June 9.
Artists and designers selected for the Anything Could Happen exhibition, are Rachel Allan (photographer), Jane Avery (design), Ariane Bray (design), Louise Clifton (shoe-maker), Moira Crossman (weaver), Anita De Soto (art), Inge Doesburg (art), Tara Douglas (photographer), Alan Dove (photographer), Craig Easton (sculpture), Kirsten Ferguson (art), Kate Fitzharris (ceramic), Guy Frederick (photographer), Emily Hlavac-Green (art), Rowan Holt (art), Jay Hutchinson (sculpture), Alexander Kennedy (art), Ewan McDougall (art), Victoria MacIntosh (jewellery/sculpture), Phillip Madill (art), Mary McFarlane (sculpture), Juliet Novenna Sorrel (sculpture), Jenna Packer (art), Steev Peyroux (art), Abby Pullar and Emilie Van Schreven (design), Amanda Shanley (ceramics), David Shields (photography), Holly Simpson-Howe (jewellery), Donna Tulloch (design), Fiona Van Oyen (art), Jane Venis (sculpture), Yonel Watene (art).
