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China will be sending artists, filmmakers and TV personnel--including scriptwriters, directors, broadcasters and anchors--to live among the masses in the rural areas "for inspiration," "to experience life" and in order for them to "form a correct view of art," Xinhua reported.
According to the state news agency, the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television will be organizing film and TV series production staff on a quarterly basis to go to grassroots communities, villages and mining sites to do field study and "experience life."
Each year, the nation's media and film watchdog will also be regularly sending scriptwriters, directors and the major casting staff for five selected films and TV programs on a given theme to live among the masses.
Also each year, it will be assigning 100 broadcasters, anchors and directors from central and local art programs to work in ethnic minority and border areas, as well as on areas that have made major contributions to the country's victory in the revolutionary war.
The mandatory period of stay with the masses in the rural areas by the literary and art workers should last not less than 30 days.
The media and film watchdog reportedly said that the move, which it plans to turn into a long-term program, "will be a boost in helping artists form a correct view of art and create more masterpieces."
The new initiative also comes following a speech delivered by President Xi Jinping during a Beijing symposium in October wherein he asked China's artists, authors and actors not to "lose themselves in the tide of market economy" nor to "go astray while answering the question of whom to serve, otherwise their works will lack vitality."
Xi in his speech further urged that works of art should have patriotism as the main theme, foster a "correct" viewpoint of history, nationality and culture, and strengthen pride in being Chinese.
