Multi-track Cultural Evolution in China
While internal political debate in China continues between populist and elitist factions, the evolution of its cultural sector continues its multi-track way.
Last year, China’s 11th Five Year Plan made the export of culture a priority, reflecting aspirations for both enhanced soft power and the growth of its developing commercial cultural industry. China’s efforts to enhance its soft power have been reflected over the last several years by its Confucius Institute initiative and the Ministry of Culture’s building of new long-term cultural exchange relationships (full disclosure, I’m a player in such an initiative involving U.S. universities). In the weeks since the conclusion of the recent People’s National Congress, those in the field now observe Chinese commercial cultural entities’ more aggressively and openly looking for international opportunities. As a staff member of one of China’s producer’s recently told me, “So many Chinese groups are interested in going abroad, particularly tours to the States and Broadway. Also, the Chinese Government is very supportive and the funding seems not to be a big problem.”
Meanwhile, it is rumored that 10% of China’s four-trillion yuan ($US 586 billion) stimulus package will go to cultural and educational programs, but that the funds will be allocated not to the relevant government ministries, rather directly to individual cultural and educational institutions. I’m off to China on Thursday to see for myself, and will post from there.