An initiative designed to strengthen cultural links between the
United Kingdom and China was launched in London on Thursday.
The program, named "China-UK: Connections through Culture," will
support cultural organizations in both countries to build
understanding of and links with partner organizations, leading to
increased cultural activity between China and the UK.
"China-UK: Connections through Culture" is a joint initiative
between the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office and the British Council with support from the
Scottish Executive.
It aims to further develop cultural cooperation between the UK
and China with a view to improving overall relations, including
diplomatic and trade ties, between the two countries.
Culture Minister David Lammy who launched the initiative said:
"China and the UK can both lay claim to rich, vibrant cultures
which go back centuries. The unique histories of both countries
have produced world-class arts and cultural traditions -- from
architecture and fine art to music, sport and literature."
"This is an exciting time to talk about expanding cultural links
between our two countries. Never before have exchanges and
cooperation between China and Britain expanded at the unprecedented
rate of today."
Hundreds of arts organizations from across the UK and China have
signaled their desire to be part of the largest arts networking
initiative to date.
This will be achieved through a database for information
provision, networking opportunities, assistance with brokering
relationships, promotional support and professional development
opportunities.
The British Council, UK's international organization for
educational opportunities and cultural relations, which operates in
220 towns and cities in 110 countries and territories worldwide, is
one of the key player in the program.
(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2006)
