On Thursday, a new foundation for the protection of China's intangible cultural heritage was launched in Tsinghua University.
The university launched the new foundation with renowned South Korean cosmetic producer Sulwhasoo and is now working on preparing projects to assist inheritors of intangible cultural heritage to nurture their expertises within the next five years. Tsinghua would be improving its scientific research capacity to assist in studying the materials used in some of the country's intangible cultural heritage while Sulwhasoo would be including the foundation as part of its 'Beauty from Your Culture' program. The program was launched in 2017 and aims to coordinate both traditional culture and modern aesthetics.
The first recipient of the foundation are the lacquerware in Shanxi Province. Artists from the university are also invited to create modern works that reflect traditional crafting techniques.
According to former Ministry of Culture for intangible cultural heritage officer Ma Shengde, it is still crucial to bolster awareness to traditional craftsmanship and how it can be applied to people's daily lives. However, the country has made strides already.
"After more than a decade's efforts, the Chinese government has established a relatively complete system protecting intangible cultural heritage," he said.
"However, government cannot always play the major participant. Social resources need to do more to join in to take the leading role. The new foundation is a good attempt."
