Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh announced the Studio Theatre Scheme to help performing arts groups build their own performing spaces. Dr Singh, who also heads the Cultural Ministry, announced this in a message on the occasion of 13th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, which began in New Delhi on Friday. The Prime Minister said that the scheme would provide generous support to theatre groups to address the problem of non-availablity of performing spaces. He added that it would also help artistes to attain economic independence and concentrate on creative expression. AIR correspondent reports that the scheme aims to set up smaller experimental rehearsal spaces that will also act as performing spaces to help promote theatre, dance and music in the country. Bharat Rang Mahotsav the 13th edition of National School of Drama's (NSD) annual theatre extravaganza, which runs till 22nd January , will see productions from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.Latin American countries like Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Serbia and Ukraine are participating in the festival for the first time.International stage productions from countries like the UK, the US, China, Japan, Egypt, Germany, Poland, Italy and Norway are other highlights of the festival.