Senior Chinese official Li Changchun on Tuesday called for stepped-up efforts to push forward China's cultural development and prosperity here in Beijing.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while visiting an exhibition held in honor of deceased Chinese painter Wu Guanzhong.

Wu is widely recognized as the father of modern Chinese painting. He died on June 25 at age 91.

Commending Wu for his great contributions to China's cultural, artistic and educational development, Li Changchun called on artists across the country to bear in mind their social responsibilities, hone their artistic skills, and create excellence in art.

He also urged CPC and government departments at all levels to assure preferential policies are in place to support artists while nurturing high-quality talents in order to fully mobilize artistic workers and create a favorable environment for the country's artistic development.