Sculpting the spirit of dedication, commitment, and sacrifice

Three firefighters from different Beijing districts recently modeled for sculptors for busts at the National Art Museum of China.

Before the session, the firefighters and their teams were given a guided tour of the exhibitions at the museum.

Students from nearby primary schools watched the process.

The activity marked this year's National Fire Prevention Day, which falls on Nov 9.

It was the latest installment in Sculpt New Figures of a New Era, a public education program begun in 2017 by Wu Weishan, sculptor and director of the National Art Museum.

So far, artists have made around 70 statues of role models from different trades at the grassroots, including teachers, factory workers and soldiers.

These sculptures have been exhibited outside Beijing, traveling to provinces and autonomous regions to spread the spirit of dedication and professionalism.