798 Art Zone [ 798艺术区]
Reconversion of an industrial area into creative industry
Location: [朝阳区，大山子798厂艺术区] Dashanzi, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Typology: Former Industrial Area Scale: 360,000sqm Contracting authority: 7 Stars Group & D-Park Year: 1995-today
In the mid-90s, some departments of Beijing’s Central Academy of Fine Arts as well as independant artists moved into old buildings of the Dashanzi military factory. Since then, more and more artists gradually joined this area. Between 2004 and 2009, it struggled against the landlord’s project implying the destruction of the industrial facilities. With the international support of many personalities and mobilization of local cultural actors, the site survived and remains a leader in China’s creative industry, gathering studios, galleries, and museums. Today, although 798 Art District has managed to be preserved well, artists are slowly moving elsewhere as the area attracts more and more tourists.
Keywords: Art in the city, Local initiatives
Reconversion of an industrial area into creative industry
Location: [朝阳区，大山子798厂艺术区] Dashanzi, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Typology: Former Industrial Area Scale: 360,000sqm Contracting authority: 7 Stars Group & D-Park Year: 1995-today
In the mid-90s, some departments of Beijing’s Central Academy of Fine Arts as well as independant artists moved into old buildings of the Dashanzi military factory. Since then, more and more artists gradually joined this area. Between 2004 and 2009, it struggled against the landlord’s project implying the destruction of the industrial facilities. With the international support of many personalities and mobilization of local cultural actors, the site survived and remains a leader in China’s creative industry, gathering studios, galleries, and museums. Today, although 798 Art District has managed to be preserved well, artists are slowly moving elsewhere as the area attracts more and more tourists.
Keywords: Art in the city, Local initiatives