Sino-UK arts workshop talks up common man's interest

"The chemistry between theater and audiences relies on good content, learning and participation. The center exists to inspire people to discover and love the arts," he told the workshop in Beijing.

Gathering top talents working in theater and promoting the performing arts of China and Britain, the first-time event has aimed to exchange knowledge of theater management and sought further cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Zhang Yu, president of China Arts and Entertainment Group, founded in 1957 as the country's first performing arts outfit to engage in cultural exchange programs, says there are around 260 new and renovated theater houses across the country, including Tianqiao Performing Arts Center that was unveiled in late 2015.

Tian Yuan, general manager of Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, says though the number of theater venues is increasing in China, audience numbers are still relatively smaller, at least compared with moviegoers.

"The theater is not just a place for shows at night but also a venue where you can enjoy the arts in the daytime by attending various activities like exhibitions and workshops," says Tian.

Chinese theaters used to rely mostly on investment and support by government agencies. Now, other funding sources have emerged, such as real estate developers and Internet companies. Other changes are being noticed, too.

Li Zhixiang, vice-president of the National Center for the Performing Arts, says theaters in China are becoming platforms of creativity rather than simply staying as rental spaces.

"Since NCPA opened in 2007, we have produced nearly 60 shows, ranging from opera to plays that promote the country's originality in the arts," says Li.

NCPA also has more than 1,000 educational programs to introduce people to the arts. In the past eight years, Li and his colleagues have witnessed the arts changing people's lives.

"We want to spread the idea to more audiences," Li says.