Art attack: China overtakes UK + This weekend

Marilyn Mai | Mar 18, 2011 2:00 pm | Add a comment | 1702 reads

According to the BBC, China has passed up the UK to become the world's second-largest art market, at 23% of the global share (the UK has 22%). It has a ways to go before chasing down the US, which still stands at number one with 37% market share. This is great news: it means more Chinese people than ever are spending loads of money on stuff they don't need! (Though I guess this isn't actually news.)

Now, if only we can get China to overtake the UK in cheese production...

Moving on, here's what's on this weekend:

"China Dream" at Red Gate Gallery:

Perhaps the UK's recent upset in the art market world can be attributed to its own countrymen, people like Chris Gill who now call China home. His joint exhibit with Xue Song and Pu Jie kicks off this Saturday, as part of the ramp-up to Red Gate's 20th anniversary celebration this July.

TimeOut's Stacey Duff interviews Chris Gill here.

Playwriting Workshop:

The Beijing Innovative Theatre Experience begins its Playwright's Toolbox workshop this Saturday at The Hutong. Tackle character development, breaking through writer's block and overall structure. Sessions run from 11am-2pm and cost RMB 80 each (the workshop will last 8 weeks). Register by emailing Anna at beijingtheatre@gmail.com.

Irish music:

Tonight (Mar 18), get in on the St. Paddy's spirit with Celtic singer and harpist Katie Targett-Adams, the Ireland Seeley Band, and Irish dancers! Gotta love those Irish dancers. RMB 30-380. 7.30pm. Forbidden City Concert Hall.

More music (non-Irish):

Yishu 8 hosts the 1st international chamber festival with the E-Mex ensemble. Saturday night (Mar 19), they present a free recital, "Modern Works by Chinese, European and American Composers," at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music Recital Hall. 7.30pm.

Also, Penguin China is giving away more books! Look for a post later today for more info.

And on Tuesday, the World of Chinese magazine is showing Mambo Girl - Hong Kong's first rock 'n roll movie! - at Jianghu Liveshow Bar. Free. 7pm.