The cultural sector in China through the lens of cultural policies concepts
Dorota Ilczuk
Marcin Jacoby
Tamara Kamińska
In this 2023 research paper the authors sketch an outline of the cultural policies and the functioning of the cultural sector in the PRC, analysed from the perspective of contemporary cultural policies theory and international practice, using the framework of the Compendium of Cultural Policies & Trends. The authors concentrate on how the system is organized and financed, what are the main policies, its basic cultural providers and consumers.
Abstract:
Background
The cultural policies of Mainland China have been subject to fascinating changes in the last forty years, influenced by politics and ideology on the one hand, and market forces on the other. The article provides a preliminary outline of the main traits of the system, analysed from the perspective of contemporary cultural policies theory and international practice.
Method
The authors examine how the cultural sector of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is organized and financed, including its governance, funding, copyright, basic cultural providers and consumers. The methodological approach used adopts the analytical framework of the Compendium of Cultural Policies & Trends, and includes analyses of statistical data, primary and secondary sources.
Results
Data and source information show that cultural policies of the PRC are a function of central-level political policy-making of the party-state. Cultural activity at all levels is subject to strong political control. At the same time, there is visible tension between central-level general policy guidelines and local level implementation, and between the mission of the state to ensure wide cultural participation, and the market economy incentivization of public cultural organizations.
Conclusions
The authors conclude that the sector exhibits a dual characteristics, with market-insulated public services on the one side, and the market economy Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS) on the other, where state-owned enterprises compete for services, customers, and profits with private entities. Faced with numerous challenges and new developments, the sector also witnesses dynamic changes of its legal environment.
About authors
Dorota Ilczuk
Professor at SWPS University
Economist, culture researcher and scholar, specialising in the creative economy
Marcin Jacoby
Associate Professor at SWPS University, Head of the Asian Civilisation Research Center
Sinologist, translator, cultural manager
Tamara Kamińska
PhD candidate at SWPS University
Manager specialising in the cultural and creative industry sector management and the design of sustainable development strategies through culture for municipalities