Wuzhen Contemporary Art Exhibition to return next March

In recent years, more art exhibitions have moved from cities to small towns and, in some cases, even smaller villages. Wuzhen is among the first towns in China to host exhibitions similar to a biennale or triennial.

In 2016, when the first exhibition was held, many locals had no idea what contemporary art is, and just as many had never even been to a museum. The invited artists exhibited their works in public spaces, such as an ancient theater, a garden's corner and along the stone streets. It effectively shortened the distance between the artworks and their audience, which was largely made up of tourists from across the country.

Feng says that, while there are lots of shows in art institutions in big cities in China - more than 60 shows were held in Shanghai in November - a show in a small town where people can encounter international art so casually as they can in Wuzhen is a rarity.

The 2016 exhibition in Wuzhen proved to be a success, both for locals and for art circles, says Feng. Some of the foreign artists who attended the show introduced the town to their friends and contemporaries, but the event still needs time to build its brand, says Feng.

Next year's show will take place between March 31 and June 30, and there will be a fund established to sponsor 12 Chinese artists who are younger than 35 years old.

Feng explains that the youth section aims to provide a platform for talented young Chinese to communicate with celebrated international artists.