In response to donor queries, the China Red Cross Society publicized details of quake donations from artists and how the money was spent.

After the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, more than 100 artists used auctions to raise and donate 84.72 million yuan ($13.73 million) to post-quake reconstruction in Sichuan province.

However, none of the artists were ever informed of how their donations were used.

On April 25, Fang Lijun, a well-know painter, went online to express doubts over the use of donations. A number of other artists echoed his concerns.

In response, the society explained, on its website on Monday, how the donations were used and apologized for any lack of communication.