Graduates of art colleges in China now face an even more vigorous but meanwhile competitive market than their precedent generations. And to help these fresh artists with a good start in career, schools have arranged special events along with the graduation shows, bridging graduates with dealers, galleries, media and auction houses.

A VIP preview and auction unveiled a grand show of artworks by graduates from Tsinghua University's arts and design academy on Tuesday in Beijing.

A selection of 30 graduates' artworks, largely paintings and sculptures, fetched over 350,000 yuan ($54,700), and buyers were sparsely from galleries and collection institutions.

The auction was held after a preview of this year's graduation exhibition, held at both Tsinghua University Art Museum and inside the arts and design academy's buildings. Hundreds of paintings, installations, photos, designs and mixed-media works are on display through July 7.