China's Xi points way for arts

When artist and patron are one

Preview of Christie's Shanghai 2014 autumn auction

Socialist values should be another key theme in Chinese art production, according to Xi.

"Fine art works should be like sunshine from blue sky and breeze in spring that will inspire minds, warm hearts, cultivate taste and clean up undesirable work styles," the president said.

Life-like works should be created so as to tell people in an "covert but influential" way what should be praised and what should be denied, he said.

Art works should also present patriotism as the main theme and foster correct viewpoints of history, nationality and culture, as well as strengthen pride in being Chinese, according to the president.

Xi said that "pursuit of the true, the good and the beautiful" is the mission of artists as the best works of art "touch people, baptize their soul and enable them to find beauty in nature, life and their minds."

This can "lead people to live a life abiding by the code of morality," he said.

Xi noted that traditional Chinese culture is the lifeblood of China and an important source of socialist core values, as well as "a foundation for China to compete in the world."

Artists were also urged to learn from outstanding art worldwide.

"Chinese art will further develop only when we make foreign things serve China, and bring Chinese and Western arts together via thorough understanding," said Xi.

He urged Communist Party of China (CPC) committees to "fully implement the Party's art policy" and "select eligible cadres who have both ability and political integrity, and work well with art workers."

China should also respect artists' personality and their works, and build an environment for them to be productive, he said.

Xi also called on the CPC to use "historical, people-oriented and artistic" points of views in focusing on art criticism, so as to lead people to "tell the truth and follow the code of morality."