‘A Snapshot of Museums and Galleries across China’ is a new guide for Arts professionals looking to take their work internationally. The guide shows the vast and dynamic artistic and cultural scene in China, which is eager to forge new creative alliances with international partners.
“China is home to over 6,500 museums and this report is by no means a comprehensive directory. Instead, we sought to identify potential partners in China's visual arts sector that have both the capacity to and interest in international engagement and exchange,” says Hastings.
The report is a user-friendly guide, divided into 14 key cultural locations across China, from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai to smaller but notable areas such as Qingdao and Changsha. Each section provides background details about the geography, population, local economy, and arts scene, offering a comprehensive overview of the cultural landscape.
It also lists key museums in each city, detailing ticket prices, exhibition spaces, and average visitor numbers, making it easy for UK organizations to identify suitable partners.
Case studies on recent successful partnerships
There is also insights into recent international collaborations and partnerships, including the recent exhibition at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing which hosted a blockbuster exhibition of masterpieces from Tate Britain in 2018, featuring works by Gainsborough, Turner, Constable, and Millais. Similarly, the UCCA Centre for Contemporary Art in Beijing collaborated with the Musée National Picasso-Paris in 2019 for Picasso – Birth of a Genius, the most significant exhibition of Picasso’s work in China to date.
The report also highlights smaller venues like the privately-owned chi K11 art space in Guangzhou, which hosted a solo exhibition of videos and installations by French artist Neil Beloufa in 2020-21.
The report offers a curated look at the 6,500 museums in China, demonstrating their commitment to providing audiences with an international perspective. The strong appetite for culture in China suggests that those who overcome the challenges and embrace cultural partnerships will be richly rewarded.
“We hope this report will support those who do wish to collaborate with Chinese partners by providing an introduction to some of the key organizations,” says Hastings. Now is the perfect time for UK arts companies to consider the possibilities of a partnership with China, leveraging the insights and opportunities detailed in this invaluable report.