Facing bleak futures and meagre salaries, many craftsmen have sought new employment. Some with arts backgrounds have become interior decorators; some have taken jobs as salespersons to make ends meet and some senior craftsmen, though superbly skilled, have been left unemployed with nothing to do.

Revitalization

The problems plaguing the development of the arts and crafts industry are being addressed by the Beijing municipal government. It has launched a campaign to save the industry.

In 2002, a symposium was held to discuss ways to revitalize the industry. Development plans have been proposed, as well as methods to nurture and retain craft skills and the institution of government policies to support and protect the industry.

In early 2003, the Beijing Municipal Economic Committee issued a development program for Beijing arts and crafts, including building Beijing Baigongfang as a handicraft development and production center in the Chongwen District.

In addition, it set up a special fund with an annual input of 3 million yuan (US$360,000). Master craftspeople are able to draw allowances of up to 800 yuan (US$98) every month for use in training apprentices, in a bid to promote the education of skilled personnel.

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