Artists and writers gather: Delegates attend the eighth congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the seventh congress of the Chinese Writers Association at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. More than 2,500 artists and writers from across the country are participating in the two events, the largest and most important gathering of artists and writers in the country, held from Friday to next Tuesday. President Hu Jintao delivered a speech at the opening ceremony on Friday, urging all artists and writers to devote themselves to promoting "cultural harmony." [Xinhua]