Since 1985, the Council for Cultural Affairs has been holding the New Year prints competitions annually in a bid to promote modernization of this unique form of folk art.

The theme of the New Year Prints Exhibition 2012 revolves around the auspicious dragon to coincide with the Year of Dragon in the Chinese calendar. The dragon has traditionally been considered an important emblem of Chinese culture, symbolizing potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over weather, water and rainfall. Besides, the dragon is also a popular of success, prosperity, and good luck in Chinese culture. Generally speaking, this year's entries have mostly captured the breathtaking characteristics of the legendary creature and splendid atmosphere of the festive occasion, marking a brilliant start to the Chinese Year of Dragon.

Over the years, the New Year Prints Exhibition, R.O.C. has served as a worthy vehicle for preserving our cultural tradition as well as a medium for fostering young talent. This year, we have received a total of 290 entries, including 70 pieces of digital print, 52 pieces of linocut print, 48 pieces of woodcut print, 37 pieces of mixed-media print, 28 pieces of silk-screen print, 21 pieces of relief print, 7 pieces of lithography, 3 pieces of intaglio, 2 pieces of metal-plate print, and 18 pieces of other types of printmaking. Marked by the wide variety of printmaking mediums and techniques on display, this year's competition can be seen to effectively reflect the artistic advances and tastes of our time.

By organizing the annual New Year Prints Exhibition, we hope to preserve and promote this traditional art form and at the same time contribute to fostering young talent. We also hope that the vibrant and varied art of the New Year print will bring the general public closer to the wonderful world of art.