Foundation for Intangible cultural heritage launched at Tsinghua

A foundation that aims to better protect China's intangible cultural heritage was launched at Tsinghua University in Beijing on Thursday.

The foundation, which was co-launched by the university and South Korean cosmetic producer Sulwhasoo, is to present a series of projects helping inheritors of intangible cultural heritage nurture that expertise within the next five years.

For example, Tsinghua will devote its scientific research strength in studies of the materials used in some items of intangible cultural heritage. The South Korean side will include the foundation in its worldwide Beauty from Your Culture program, which was initiated in 2017 to better coordinate traditional culture and modern aesthetics.

Several forms of lacquer ware in North China's Shanxi province are among the first forms of intangible cultural heritage to benefit from the fund. Artists from the university also are invited to create modern works reviving traditional craftsmanship.

According to Ma Shengde, a former official with the Ministry of Culture in charge of protection of intangible cultural heritage, it is still a major threshold in China as to how to usher traditional craftsmanship into people's daily lives though public awareness has greatly risen.

"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."