Jiading residents will be able to take part in hundreds of activities across the district as part of the Shanghai Citizens Art Festival that began in March and runs to November.

The activities include the “Shanghai Spring” mass cultural show, “Enjoy It” talent and skill contest, “My Stage My Dream” performance and “Just Sing” singers’ contest.

On March 28, veteran dancer Huang Doudou gave a lecture at Juyuan New Area, sharing his experience with more than 300 fans, and presented a local dancing group with a signed copy of his DVD.

Jiading folk artist Zha Siren created a Chinese zodiac painting with a poem for Huang, who had cooperation with the Juyuan Drum Team in performing at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo.

A talent and skill contest was held at 17 villages and communities in Nanxiang Town on March 28, with more than 1,200 people aged from 3 to 87 performing 210 programs.

At Yinxiang Community, folk dance “Dong County’s Night” was highly praised. Creator Zhang Jin, a former kindergarten teacher, led neighbors to practice folk dancing after moving to the community.

She said the level of the talent and skill contest had improved significantly.

Anting Town also has been involved in hundreds of projects and hopes to encourage more residents and organizations to take part in.