Spotlight shines on cultural epicenter

The cultural and creative industry in Tianhe district in Guangzhou has made huge gains on the back of supportive policies, culture exchange platforms and a cluster of leading companies, experts said.

Broadly speaking, the cultural and creative economy comprises advertising, architecture, art, crafts, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, publishing, research and development, software, toys and games, TV and radio, and video games.

"Tianhe district enjoys unparalleled advantages with its economic and cultural foundation and creative talent pool," said Zhao Haizhou, vice-president of Kugou Music, a major online music provider based in Guangzhou.

"So, it is the optimal location for the cultural and creative industry,"

In addition to Kugou Music, the district has gathered many other leading cultural companies including Fangsuo Commune, NetEase and UC Browser.

In 2016, the value added of Tianhe district's cultural and creative industry hit 28.35 billion yuan ($4.29 billion), 11.1 percent higher than 2015.

It accounts for 7.46 percent of the district's GDP and 29.7 percent of the total value added of Guangzhou's cultural and creative industry, ranking it No 1 in that sector in Guangzhou.

Mao Jihong, founder of Fangsuo, a creative bookstore which entered Guangzhou in 2011, said he was glad to have settled there.

Four hundred cultural exchange activities and 60 art exhibitions have been held there in the past six years. The number of visitors to the district is expected to hit 10 million in 2017, Mao said.

In 2017, Tianhe district issued a series of supportive policies to boost cultural and technological innovation there.

Every year, a specialized fund is used to support key cultural fields, including digital content and creative design as well as cultural and arts services, according to the local government.

The cultural and creative companies can get stipends of up to 500,000 yuan, it said.

"Tianhe district is open and inclusive enough to develop the cultural and creative industry," Mao said.

"The most inspiring thing has been to see the cluster of the cultural industry forming here."

Boosted by the Guangdong National Online Game and Animation Industry Base and the Guangdong National Digital Publishing Base, a large group of competitive cultural companies with independent innovative abilities have been established in the district.

(China Daily 12/07/2017 page12)