Organizers of the China Art Industry Expo (Art Expo) plan to hold a new session in 2016 following the event’s successes in 2012 and 2014. They hope to implement China’s cultural strategy including the transformation and upgrading of its economic aspects, and raise awareness among the public so as to enhance their confidence in cultural matters. They also hope to turn the capital into a leading center for the arts, strengthen its cultural capability, and encourage Chinese artists of all types to participate in international competitions.

I. Background

On May 27, 2016, the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee held a special meeting to discuss the planning of the Beijing sub-center, as well as the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The sub-center must have Chinese elements and carry on the Chinese cultural heritage, and also borrow from other sources. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the Beijing municipal government and organized by the Tongzhou district’s Party committee and government, two sessions of the Art Expo have been held. They attracted more than 600,000 visitors and led to deals worth over 60 billion yuan. The Art Expo has generated good economic and social results, and will play a major role in helping the Beijing sub-center shape urban culture and become an important platform for promoting cultural prosperity.

The China Arts and Entertainment Group and the Beijing Wenchuang International Cultural Exchange Co have won the bid to assist the Tongzhou district government in organizing the Art Expo 2016. Their efforts will include overall planning, attracting exhibitors, and organizing advertising, publicity and other matters to ensure the Art Expo’s success.

II. Goals

The Art Expo aims to turn the theme of “Art Makes Life Better” into a popular concept. Organizers will persist in the effort to build the expo into a world art center, an international artworks trade center, and a world center for the design and release of derivative artworks. Efforts will also be made to forge the Art Expo into one of the world’s famous art exhibition brands. Moreover, organizers will work towards coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region by building on the achievements the Art Expo has already attained and increasing its influence both at home and abroad. The Art Expo’s structure will be adjusted and optimized so that its functions in investment attraction, financing, business matchmaking and exposure to domestic and foreign collectors will be enhanced. On the other hand, new measures will be taken to expand its influence with the general public. Organizers will also work toward the goals of the Beijing sub-center and promote integrated development of the cultural, tourism and business sectors, such as opening regular tourism routes, in a bid to boost the cultural and creative industry’s growth.

III. Schedule

The seven-day event will be held in Songzhuang, Tongzhou district, Beijing from September 29 through October 5. The exhibition area will total more than fifty thousand square meters to accommodate the main session and five parallel sessions.