(BEIJING, February 4) -- Over 500 people in Qingdao had their portraits painted in the past month as part of an ongoing painting activity. Since the painting activity kicked off on January 5, more than 800 people have applied to join the campaign, with their ages ranging from six months to 89 years. Oil paintings by renowned artists will be put on a wall along the city's Culture Street as an attraction to show the city's enthusiasm over the Olympics. Located in east China's Shandong Province, Qingdao is the host city of the sailing competitions of the 29th Olympic Games. Sponsored by the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee; the government of the Northern District; and the Qingdao Volunteer Society; the campaign has been divided into three stages to cover the volunteers, local citizens and international athletes attending the Olympic sailing competitions. The first stage has just ended, and the next stage will start in April. The activity will last till the Olympic sailing events from August 9 to 21 this year. The organizers believe that the painting scheme can help the city promote its cultural and creative industry. Covering an area of 60,000 square meters, the "Culture Street" has attracted close to 500 businesses that provide cultural products and services, with a turnover of 420 million yuan in 2007, the Qingdao Daily reported.
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