Corporate Involvement in the Arts in China: An Examination of Corporate Support Models and Practice in Beijing and Shanghai

By examining various corporate funding models in Beijing and Shanghai, two major cities in China, this thesis discusses the challenges and problems facing corporate sponsors, arts organizations, and government in terms of their roles, missions, strategies, operations, management, and regulation. Through interviewing the professionals and arts administrators in both sponsoring companies and sponsored arts organizations, this thesis raises the questions of whether or not there are mutual benefits (in branding, marketing strategies, corporate strategies, customer base, and financial incentives), and potential for longer term cooperation for both companies and arts organizations. Finally, this paper discusses the opportunities, challenges, major concerns, and recommendations to achieve a more consistent corporate funding model in China.