Art groups struggle to be independent in finance from govt

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-01 10:15

The school, funded by the educational bureau of the municipal government, is a talent base for the troupe. It normally takes at least six years for a nine-year-old to become a candidate for the troupe.

In the past, the troupe focused on performing globally, mainly as a diplomatic delegation.

"Like table tennis, known as ping pang diplomacy, we helped forge the relationship between China and the US," Yang said. "The troupe was not worried by the market in those days."

Now it must focus on the domestic market.

"We have long forgot that China itself is a huge market," said Sun. "If we can win the home audience, we will be better prepared for the audience abroad."

Even with these changes, the troupe could not continue operating after the December deadline without financial assistance from the government.

"We know if we perform bad, the company will be closed," said Yang. "We started to feel pressure we never felt before."

That pressure eased this November when the government told the troupe it would extend financial assistance for another five years.

Li Enjie, vice director of the Beijing cultural bureau said the central government didn't want reformed groups to close and wanted to encourage others to implement financial reforms.

"Starting now, all entertainment sectors still financed by the government, such as the China National Song and Dance Ensemble, must be turned into companies, whether they like it or not," said Li Xiaolei, vice director of the culture industry department of the Ministry of Culture.

Extending December's deadline by five years gives groups time to do this.

"It is a great relief," Wang said.

The China National Acrobatic Troupe will continue to improve its strategies until it can be financially independent of the government. It has no other choice.

"Next step, we will try to develop a brand with more marketing staff, especially in the global market," Sun said.

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