Rural China turns its hand to artistic field
Creative approach taken to vitalize the countryside
Saxiu has held a variety of events since its opening, from art exhibitions and book-sharing events to coffee-tastings, attracting tourists, artists and even government officials to enjoy the rural art experience.
"The opening of the space has even aroused the villagers' love and passion for their own home," Xing said.
"I believe rural vitalization through art cannot depend on artists alone, because they are confined to their own creations. The core is to stick to local craftsmanship, tradition and culture."
A similar pattern of rural vitalization through art has been seen in other parts of the world as well.
In Japan, village vitalization campaigns, usually sponsored by the prefectural or municipal government, have been seen since the 1970s. Renowned campaigns include the "one village, one product" movement to stimulate local economic development.
