There is a special organization called Nan Gong Da Sai Fu
founded by college students, which offers free service such as
training, renting performance space, arranging live shows, etc, to
local folk artists.
Nine students in Nanjing wanted to take part in the
International SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) Contest, which
required them to finish a community service project. When they were
at a loss what to do, one of them met a sugar figurine maker, whose
delicate works had impressed many kids. Suddenly, an idea came to
them that they should take the responsibility to help preserve
these traditional arts.
After a general investigation, the nine of them learned that
many folk artists in Nanjing had been struggling with poverty. Thus
they came to Wang Gaofei, a famous iron picture painter. With the
help of Wang, an art troupe was founded, including 14 skillful
artists. Now, the troupe, Dynasties Folk Art Troupe, has become a
major art troupe in Nanjing, and their performance can be seen at
nearly all celebrations, thanks to the effort of the students.
(Chinanews.cn August 2, 2007)