SHANGHAI -- The China Shanghai International Arts Festival signed 11 cooperation memorandums online with art agencies and organizations from 10 countries on Tuesday night.

It is not easy to nail down so many international projects in such a difficult time, said Li Ming, vice president of the organization committee of the festival.

"It's an important gesture by us to show our willingness and confidence to ease the sorrows of all people and all nations with the strength of art," Li said.

In addition, Lithuanian culture week will be one of the highlights at the 22nd China Shanghai International Arts Festival, scheduled to show the artistic charm of music and dance programs from the Baltic region.

Founded in 1999, the Shanghai International Arts Festival provides one of the largest performing art feasts in China. It normally opens in mid-October. Besides a large number of foreign stage performances, it also holds international forums and fairs, culture weeks and many other activities.