Culture in Shenyang is getting a huge boost with a host of cultural projects aiming to make the scene more highbrow.

Domestic and overseas investors are being encouraged to take part in up to a 100 new projects in TV, theatre and newspapers in the capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The projects will cost roughly 12 billion yuan (US$1.45 billion), said Guo Xiangwen, vice-director of Shenyang Development and Planning Commission.

The projects cover almost all media and entertainment fields.

A new Shenyang Theatre, a concert hall and several sports venues will be built and operated more efficiently, said Guo.

The city is encouraging different entertainment factions to organize various cultural activities and performances together, such as the annual evening party to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, singing contests and performances of Peking Opera, modern drama and acrobatics, said Guo.

Private capital

"One of the major goals of reforming the cultural scene is to break down barriers and introduce private capital into this flowering industry," said Guo.

"Foreign investors are welcome to take part in all cultural markets in accordance with China's commitments to the World Trade Organization. Foreign investors will enjoy the same treatment as domestic investors," said Guo.

Some of the projects will help open up press circles for the first time in Shenyang, said Guo.

(China Daily August 12, 2004)