The provincial conference on rural poverty alleviation through cultural means is held in Linyi, Shandong province on Sept 11. [Photo/sdwht.gov.cn]

Wang Lei, director of the Shandong provincial department of culture, delivers a keynote speech at the conference held in Linyi, Shandong province, Sept 11. [Photo/sdwht.gov.cn]

The provincial conference on rural poverty alleviation through cultural means was held in Linyi, Shandong province on Sept 11.

Wang Lei, director of the Shandong provincial department of culture said that in order to increase locals' income through cultural industry, Shandong province will make full use of its cultural advantages, increase art creations featuring farmers, agriculture and rural areas, and create more works guided by the needs of the masses.

Meng Qingbin, mayor of Linyi city, said that Linyi has made great achievements on poverty alleviation through culture. By carrying out the Yimeng Spirit, the spirit of hard-working, self-improvement and selfless dedication, the city has supported handicraft productions, literary and artistic creations in poor villages. More support will be given to the poverty-stricken area on developing cultural industries and improving cultural infrastructures.

During the conference, the excellent townships (streets) of the province in the year of 2018 were awarded with medals for poverty alleviation, and representatives from Linyi, Jining and Dongying cities exchanged their experience.

The participants also visited the comprehensive cultural service centers of Lequan village and Xuezhuang town prior to the conference.