Craft forum invigorates cultural sector

The Craft Economists and Academics 50 Forum opens in Longwan district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province on Nov 18. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Craft Economists and Academics 50 Forum, a gathering of important figures in the cultural sector, opened in Longwan district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province on Nov 18.

As a key supplement to the Wenzhou International Fashion Cultural Industry Expo, the forum invited attendees to discuss the development potential of cultural fields.

"Wenzhou will exploit the advantages of its interconnected cultural communication network across the globe and strive to imporve the image of traditional Chinese crafts both at home and abroad," said Shi Aizhu, director of the publicity department of Wenzhou.

"I will devote myself to preserving decaying traditional Chinese handicrafts, drawing inspiration from them, and adapting them to the modern era," said Jiang Qionger, a think tank expert and founder of the fashion brand Shang Xia.

Craftspeople such as Huang Xiaoming, Ye Mengchun, Lin Xia and Feng Yuping also shared their reflections on blending traditional art with modern elements.

The event, organized by the China National Arts and Crafts Society and Wenzhou municipal government, is the most important of its kind in the cultural sector. The forum plans to hold more than 10 seminars every year, including private seminars, large summits, and international exchanges.

Craftspeople are awarded honorary titles at the forum on Nov 18. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]