The government of Tibet Autonomous Region selected 25 art and craft masters on the regional level for the first time on April 18, further promoting the inheritance and development of traditional Tibetan arts and crafts, Xinhua reported.

During the naming ceremony, 15 Thangka masters and 10 masters of other items were awarded the title of arts and crafts master.

"In old Tibet, the artists worked for the bureaucrats, nobles and clergies for free without any social status; nowadays, we can not only make fortune with our own craftsmanship but also carry forward the Tibetan art by taking in apprentices or giving lectures", Thangka master Norpu Sithar said. "I have much more confidence now after being awarded the honor."

Since the release of the regulations on selection of Tibet regional masters in 2012, an institution was set up for the selection work. Over 36 artists in various fields participated in the selection in June, 2013.

It has laid a solid foundation for the artists to participate in the national campaign, which drives the development of Tibetan arts, said Ngari, an expert in the judging panel.