An art campaign which encourages Chinese artists to paint in traditional style the sceneries and peoples from around the globe was launched Wednesday in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province.

The campaign will last ten years. During the first eight years, Jiangsu province will send out 10 artists from the province each year to different countries to experience life and collect artistic materials there. They will cover all seven continents.

After their return, painting exhibitions will be held and some 200 of their best works will be sent on a national tour.

The first batch of artists will go to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and other South American countries.

Jiangsu is a province that has turned out a lot of famous artists throughout Chinese history. The province hopes this campaign will make more Jiangsu artists stand out and let them help spread Chinese painting and culture to the outside world.

(CRI.com June 10, 2005)