Heilongjiang International University opened a training course to train people how to make art from fish skins and birch bark on March 11, in an effort by Heilongjiang province to protect and pass on the intangible cultural heritage of ethnic minorities living in the Heilongjiang River basin.

The whole project is being funded by China National Arts Fund; and it is expected to cultivate experts to keep alive arts skills that are in danger of being lost forever.

According to a training plan made by Heilongjiang International University, the project will recruit 30 people to participate in a four-month training course. University teachers, as well as arts and crafts practitioners, will be eligible to take part in the project.

People involved in the project will not only take lectures to learn art theory, but also pay a visit to craftsmen skilled in making art from fish skins and birch bark, and make their own artwork under guidance.

An opening ceremony for the fish skins and birch bark artwork training course is held at Heilongjiang International University on March 11.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

The fish skins and birch bark artwork training course starts at Heilongjiang International University on March 11.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Students make fish skins and birch bark artwork under the guidance of experts at Heilongjiang International University on March 11.[Photo/Chinanews.com]