More than 650 works by over 300 contemporary Chinese artists were exhibited Saturday on the "Today's China Arts" exhibition at the China Millennium Monument in Beijing.

The one-month exhibition, sponsored by the art museum of the Centenary Monument, is divided into six sections, including traditional Chinese painting, oil painting, plate painting, sculpture, wash paintings and experimental arts. On display are works by some overseas Chinese artists.

The show is designed to give a dynamic view of Chinese art since the 1990s, popularize and spread China's modern arts, and promote exchanges between local and overseas art circles, said the organizer.

During the show, artists will give over 20 lectures, and have discussions with visitors. The show will also be covered at an official website, www.mam.gov.cn.

"Today's China Arts" is a large academic project launched by the Chinese art community in 1999. The organizer said the exhibition will be held every two years.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2003)