Public to have greater say in art, literature awards

An official circular on reforming China's art and literature awards said appraisals from ordinary people will be an important parameter.

The circular, made public by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on Monday, said appraisals from the general public, artists and literati should be integrated with commercial indicators such as audience rating, box office and circulation.

It added, public popularity and whether the art and literature works feature ordinary people's lives will be important indicators to be factored in during evaluation.

Artists or writers with notorious records or reputations will be barred from competing for awards, the circular said.

The circular also said the existing 20 national art and literature awards will be reduced to 19, while a large number of their sub-categorized awards are downsized.

The Ministry of Culture (MOC) in April vowed to streamline the chaotic art and literature awards, blaming too many redundant awards ceremonies and appraisals for having caused irregularities and power-for-money deals.

The MOC also vowed to regulate government officials' participation in competitions and awards and to forbid them from exerting any influence during award appraisals.