China’s creative industry is booming. It is not only a way for people to exhibit new ideas and express themselves, but will also be a driving force for the economy. The 798 Art District is a case in point.

There is a sound good work environment in China, especially in this district for the traditional genre and new contemporary work, as well as for reinterpreting the traditional style, like the use of ink painting. Contemporary artists use inks, sometimes inks and gun powder to express new form of art, I think that is wonderful.

Fifteen years ago, China’s role in the creative economy is obscure, but now it is a strong player. The increasing awareness of copyright, the development of the software industry and the Internet of things, and the surging of Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent are all favorable for developing China’s creative industry.

-- John Howkins

British author and speaker on Creative Industries

The comment was made in an interview with China.org.cn, May 31, 2014