The Chinese Academy of Arts yesterday invited 30 folk artists to
act as researchers, a move by the government seen as a big step
towards the preservation of the country's "intangible cultural
heritage".
The 30 are experts in Chinese folk arts such as paper-cutting,
clay moulding, kite making and Tibetan tongka making (silk or satin
scroll painting).
These folk arts are part of the country's intangible cultural
heritage, according to Minister of Culture Sun Jiazheng.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) defines "intangible cultural heritage" as
"the practices, representations, expressions, as well as the
knowledge and skills, that communities, groups and, in some cases,
individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage."
Sun said that folk artists are important components of a
country's intangible cultural heritage because they play an
important role in ensuring its survival.
Wang Wenzhang, president of the academy, promised yesterday to
take further measures to promote the works of these artists, such
as holding exhibitions and setting up workshops for them.
He said the academy plans to invite 70 additional folk artists
within five years to become researchers.
Yu Xianglian, one of the 30 folk artists appointed, said she
wanted more people to pay attention to the country's diverse
heritage.
"If no practical effort is made, the skills will be lost with
the passing away of folk artists," said Yu, an expert on clay
moulding.
According to a source with those attended the national meeting
on Kunqu Opera last week, China's central government has decided to
spend 10 million yuan (about US$1.2 million) per year from 2005 to
2009 to revitalize the art form. The investment will be used to
collect traditional librettos, create new plays, support public
performances, promote the operatic art form, and train and reward
professionals.
On April 28, Zhou Heping, deputy Culture Minister, told a press
conference that China would set up a database and a detailed list
of intangible cultural heritage at the country, province, city and
county levels.
(China Daily May 25, 2005)
