China moves to improve public cultural services

The Chinese government will ensure that every village and urban community has its own cultural center within five years.

Culture centers that meet state standards for resources, facilities, services and functions should be in place by 2020, according to a guideline made public Tuesday by the General Office of the State Council, or the Cabinet.

The cultural centers should be used as venues for activities such as exhibitions, performances, reading, film screenings and training. The central government, however, has warned against "wasteful demolition and reconstruction" in the process. The government will encourage private entities to participate in the construction and operation of the center.

"Cultural centers should make full use of the existing buildings, such as venues for Party or community activities, unused schools, or the public service facilities of new apartment buildings," the guideline says.

In 2014, the central budget allocated 14.4 billion yuan (2.3 billion U.S. dollars) for improving rural public cultural services. By the end of 2014, China had 2,008 art performance organizations, 2,760 museums and 3,311 cultural centers. Endi