From Chinese Press

Necessity of the arts

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-22 07:51

Throughout history, countries that have influenced world affairs have had great "soft power" in the arts. Artists have spread their countries' cultures and values through their works. So, China has to promote the arts if it wants the world to better understand its culture and values, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The spread of different cultures in the world calls for countries like China to boost their "soft power" in the arts. China's peaceful rise has to run parallel to the cultivation of artistic creativity. One way to meet this demand of the times is to promote the arts among people, popularize professional arts education and make knowledge in the arts an accomplishment in itself.

Currently, arts education is limited mainly to schools. Many social institutions with excellent art resources, such as museums, art galleries and theaters, have not played their desired role. Economic pursuit has weakened some of these institutions' social function to educate people in the arts and spread knowledge.

Art originates from life and helps the spiritual advancement of human beings. This is the purpose of modern arts education.

(China Daily 06/22/2010 page9)