On October 8, the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism announced a groundbreaking guideline titled “Measures to Promote the Performance Market in Our Province and Build a Southeast Performing Arts Economic Hub and Cross-Strait Popular Culture Center.” This initiative is designed to foster a vibrant performance market ecosystem in Fujian, encouraging audiences to travel across cities for live shows.
One of the standout features of this guideline is its endorsement of legally established performance agencies in Fujian that deliver commercially viable shows aimed directly at the public. It aims to support event organizers, particularly those presenting their first shows in Fujian or launching new performance venues in the region.
A significant focus of the guidelines is the involvement of Taiwanese talent in Fujian’s cultural performance scene, with the goal of building a popular culture center that resonates with communities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. To facilitate this, the initiative includes the “Global Famous Artists Fujian Creation Plan” and promotes collaborations between state-owned artistic troupes and travel agencies. Additionally, to accommodate international artists and renowned performance groups, the plan implements expedited customs procedures for those arriving in Fujian.
The guidelines also lay out various subsidy policies tailored to different scenarios. For instance, large-scale concerts or music festivals making their debut in Fujian can receive certification based on specific metrics: if attendance exceeds 15,000, ticket sales reach at least 15 million yuan, and a minimum of 40% of ticket sales come from outside the local audience, organizers can qualify for a subsidy of 300,000 yuan per event, capped at 1.5 million yuan annually per agency. For national debuts that attract at least 50% audience members from outside the province, organizers may be eligible for a subsidy of 500,000 yuan per event, with a total ceiling of 2 million yuan per year.
Additionally, the guidelines strive to foster the development of new performing arts venues in urban areas, commercial complexes, cultural streets, creative parks, and underused spaces, offering an annual subsidy of up to 150,000 yuan for those that meet specific performance criteria.
Travel agencies are also encouraged to organize tours for visitors to enjoy high-quality performances, while local policies in various municipalities will promote commercial performances to boost regional culture and tourism.
