Succesfull Expert MEeting: Performing arts in China

On Monday 12 March SICA Dutch Centre for International Cultural Activities brought together about 60 people representing Dutch institutes for performing arts and  members of the performing arts community. This meeting of experts on the possibilities and opportunities for the Dutch performing arts in China was held in the presence of Machtelt Schelling, the cultural attaché at the embassy of the Netherlands in Beijing.

The meeting was kicked-off with a presentation by Monique Knapen about the role of SICA in the Netherlands - and that of culturalexchange-cn.nl - and SICA’s close relationship with it’s Chinese partner OCT. This presentation was followed by a relevant and practical analysis of the cultural situation in China by Mrs. Schelling. Both presentations demonstrated that there is a great need for programming in the many theatres that China possesses. The Chinese national and local governments provide financing for infrastructure, but as yet do not invest in the programming.

Cees de Graaff, director of SICA, then conducted interviews with 3 experts form various cultural organizations connected to the subject:: Piet Zeeman (Fund for Performing Arts), Nan van Houte (Theatre Institute Netherlands) and  Michael Nieuwenhuizen (Music Center the Netherlands). All talked about their experiences over the past years working with China and the possibilities they saw for the near future, not bypassing the upcoming budget cuts in the Dutch arts sector and the influence these cuts will have on future policy.

This was followed by a video presentation by Wu Jiatong, director of WU Promotions. As a leading example of an agent in China, he managed to give a concise situation sketch of the rollercoaster ride for performing arts troupes heading to China. The subsequent round of questions from the audience provided useful contributions from experienced players such as De Nederlandse Opera and theatre groups such as Borneoco.

The concluding dinner at Lab111 provided an opportunity to digest the large amount of information, exchange thoughts, renew relationships and expand one’s network.

We hope to keep you updated on the developments following this meeting, SICA has the drive to connect people and bring knowledge and expertise to professionals. We also invite you to keep us updated on your work. Progress is only possible by cooperation.

please click here for the original announcement.

Please also be aware of our next event:

April 18th 2012