They will explore and exchange views and ideas on their respective crafts, on art in general and the role of nature and the environment in their art. The emphasis of the interaction will be on the creative interaction and on the artistic process rather than on the final expression.

Called "Nature Hug" Art Camp, the interaction will be held at the idyllic Escudero Resort in Southern Luzon Philippines, celebrated for its waterfall and verdant scenery. The basic idea is to encourage young citizens of ASEAN to create objects of art out of indigenous materials in the case of artists, to make music using indigenous instruments and musical forms in the case of musicians, and to write on themes on nature and the environment in the case of writers.

ASEAN-COCI, which is sponsoring the art camp, has expressed the hope that, after the interaction, the participating young artists will go home with a deepened awareness, appreciation and sense of responsibility for the environment and assume a role in its preservation and enhancement.

The regional network that is expected to be established as a result of this interaction among the youth will strengthen their personal and artistic ties and promote a consciousness of a common ASEAN culture. This will also enhance their role as cultural leaders in their respective communities.

The concept of an integrated arts camp was first proposed by ASEAN art educators during the ASEAN Visual Art Symposium and Workshop held in Manila in 1994. Since then, the idea has been adopted as a "flagship" project of COCI.

The next art camp is slated to be held in Vietnam and its focus will be on traditional art forms and their commonalties.