Beijing may still be the epicenter of China's contemporary art scene, but growing interest in the arts has spread to second- and third-tier cities in recent years, setting the stage for a competition of sorts as cities compete to build bigger and better arts venues. Mirroring in many ways Beijing's famed 798 Arts District, this week Nanchang, capital of southeast China's Jiangxi province, opened the doors of its 791 Art Zone, a sprawling 40,000 square meter exhibition, studio and venue space that builders hope will make the city known for more than manufacturing and agriculture. So far, the 791 Art Zone claims 68 art organizations and more than 50 artists in residence.
