In China's elementary schools as part of a government drive to
bring culture to youngsters classes on calligraphy, painting and
traditional handicrafts are to be part of the educational
curriculum. And museums and art galleries will also be free of
charge or offer discounts to school pupils.
"On the international stage China not only needs strength in
economy, science, technology and defense but also cultural strength
to be ahead of international competition," states the national
program on cultural development during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006-2010)
published on Wednesday.
The General Office of the Communist Party of China Central
Committee and the General Office of the State Council, which
jointly issued the program, also published a circular instructing
all localities and departments to carry out the program.
According to the program the government will increase investment
in cultural projects, reform the way they operate, expand the
quantity and quality of cultural products and services to meet the
rising demand and increase the global competitiveness of Chinese
cultural merchandize. The program also states that museum storage
space will be expanded by 300,000 square meters.
It asks state-owned art performance troupes and theaters to
produce shows at lower costs to allow those on low-incomes to
attend and calls on urban organizations and residents to donate
televisions, radios, computers, books and audio and video products
for use by farmers.
There's also a call for online libraries and theaters and a
system to provide distance learning of cultural subjects. It orders
the enhancement of intellectual property rights protection and
efforts to curb piracy.
It says that cultural exchanges with the rest of the world must
be increased to improve an understanding of China overseas. In
addition to promoting visits and exchanges between cities and
holding cultural activities abroad it proposes the promotion of
Chinese cultural products and services through well regarded
overseas film, television and art festivals, book fairs and
expositions.
It calls for an adjustment to the style of radio and television
productions to meet the demands and tastes of overseas listeners
and viewers.
(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2006)