Honey pot for arts

A new national foundation launched with money from the central government hopes to make more money available to more artists around the country - and perhaps inspire local foundations as well, Han Bingbin reports.

After three years of preparations, the China National Arts Foundation was founded at the end of 2013, with aims to expand both funding sources and access for artists. As the new entity begins to spread its wings, it's stimulating both excitement and concern in the industry. The foundation receives funding mainly from the central government and also accepts corporate and private donations. It is poised to offer financial support for the creation, promotion and collection of quality artwork, as well as education for young artists.

Observers welcome the creation of a potentially big purse for arts, but are watching to see how the purse strings are pulled. Many hope the new foundation will be as inviting to independent artists as it is to artists working within a government-based system.