The Art Gallery of China

Now in its 15th year, the Red Gate was one of the first professional art galleries to have opened in Beijing. So far it has contracted more than 20 Chinese artists, many of them prominent figures in the nation's contemporary art world. The struggles of its founder, Brian Wallace, epitomize the fits-and-starts progress of China's artistic sector over the past two decades. Today, China's art is on the upbeat, as evidenced by growing government aid and public support and increased media coverage. Art exhibitions these days receive more visitors and generate greater revenue than ever before. Along with China's booming auction business, they contribute generously to its thriving art galleries. Yet art is still very much a nascent sector in China. Professional commercial galleries have emerged in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, but in small numbers. Chinese galleries have a long way to go as regards accessibility to all.

The Art Gallery of China