Iran is planning to hold the 17th edition of its International Youth Visual Arts Festival hosting 280 artists from Iran and around the globe.

Some 250 artists from Iran will take part in the event along with 30 international participants who will present their works in nine categories.

“The Festival will kick off on July 12, 2010 with the aim of offering a clear picture of the capabilities of the young generation all around the world,” festival director Gholam-Reza Montazeri told reporters on Tuesday.

Participants will also hold two-day art workshops and go on a tour of Iran's northern Golestan Province where the festival will be held.

Art-lovers will get a chance to visit exhibitions of visual art works by Iranian masters which will be held during the five-day festival.

According to Montazeri, the festival will honor six artists from Golestan Province who have received international awards in caricature, photography and calligraphy.

Iran's 2010 International Youth Visual Arts Festival will be held in the categories of painting, caricature, drawing, sculpture, graphic design, calligraphy, illustration, pottery, ceramic and photography.

Curtsey:press tv