In China's elementary schools as part of a government drive to bring culture to youngsters classes on calligraphy, painting and traditional handicrafts are to be part of the educational curriculum. And museums and art galleries will also be free of charge or offer discounts to school pupils.

 

"On the international stage China not only needs strength in economy, science, technology and defense but also cultural strength to be ahead of international competition," states the national program on cultural development during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006-2010) published on Wednesday.

 

The General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, which jointly issued the program, also published a circular instructing all localities and departments to carry out the program.

 

According to the program the government will increase investment in cultural projects, reform the way they operate, expand the quantity and quality of cultural products and services to meet the rising demand and increase the global competitiveness of Chinese cultural merchandize. The program also states that museum storage space will be expanded by 300,000 square meters.

 

It asks state-owned art performance troupes and theaters to produce shows at lower costs to allow those on low-incomes to attend and calls on urban organizations and residents to donate televisions, radios, computers, books and audio and video products for use by farmers.

 

There's also a call for online libraries and theaters and a system to provide distance learning of cultural subjects. It orders the enhancement of intellectual property rights protection and efforts to curb piracy.

 

It says that cultural exchanges with the rest of the world must be increased to improve an understanding of China overseas. In addition to promoting visits and exchanges between cities and holding cultural activities abroad it proposes the promotion of Chinese cultural products and services through well regarded overseas film, television and art festivals, book fairs and expositions.

 

It calls for an adjustment to the style of radio and television productions to meet the demands and tastes of overseas listeners and viewers.   

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2006)