THE Hongkou District government yesterday announced the establishment of a new charitable foundation to protect and promote the city’s intangible cultural heritage.

　　The Shanghai Culture Development Foundation will provide support for a range of local institutes and individuals involved in areas such as Peking opera, art, music and dance, said Wu Qing, the district’s Party secretary.

　　It will seek donations from local businesses and the public, he said, without saying if any financial support will be provided by the government.

　　“The foundation will also establish a Shanghai Culture Center on Sichuan Road N. to exhibit and promote local heritage at home and abroad,” Wu said, adding that it will open in August.

　　The foundation yesterday received its first donation — of 20 million yuan (US$3 million) — from a consortium of 10 companies, including Shanghai International Port Group and the Bank of Shanghai. Any company that donates to the fund will be eligible for tax incentives, the district government said.

　　Also yesterday, a panel of 20 prominent figures from the worlds of art and culture was established to help decide which causes the foundation should support.

　　Its members include the well-known local writers Zhao Lihong and Sun Ganlu, popular actor and stand-up comedian Wang Rugang, and Peking opera performer Shi Yihong.