The 11th China Art Festival is taking place in the northwest Chinese province of Shaanxi. The ongoing event is definitely a place where established artists are showing off their talents, but amateur performers in the country are also getting their chance to shine. That's because organizers have set up a competition to support cultural workers, and both amateur literary and artistic enthusiasts.

Some 84 shows enter the final round of this year's competition, vying for the coveted "Star Award", the highest social and cultural award given by the government. The performances fall into various categories, including singing and dancing, drama, traditional instrument performances and traditional operas. The shows are all presented by non-professional performers.

Some 84 shows enter the final round of this year's competition, vying for the coveted "Star Award", the highest social and cultural award given by the government.

"The good thing about the performances is that the creators all have a central idea or concept they're trying to convey through the shows. But I think there's still room for improvement," said Ma Bomin, judge.

"For example, some stories are too complicated for beginners. Instead of adding things into the storyline, they should learn how to reduce things."

"The performers may not have the skills of professional artists, but their creations are special because they are from real life, real stories. And the performers truly put in a lot of effort and emotion into their performances. So I'm very impressed by them," said Chen Xianghong, Ministry of Culture.

Hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and the Shaanxi provincial government, the festival aims to guide and promote the development of contemporary art in the country.

With a theme of "art feast, people's festival", the event demonstrates the national level of artists from around China. First-class pieces of fine art and photography, as well as calligraphy, will be shown during the festival.