Cultural institutions in transitional China: public service and corporate development

The rapid expansion of cultural institutions in China in recent decades is unprecedented. This chapter provides an overview of the dual objectives of cultural system reform and traces the evolution of public cultural units and cultural industries. Examining the transformation of cultural institutions from public service entities in the planned economy to dual roles as public service and profit-oriented entities in the market economy, the chapter delves into institutional changes. It scrutinizes the financing and operation of public cultural institutions, highlighting continued state involvement through affiliated financing platforms and enterprises. The study further explores cultural participation and consumption, particularly in the digital age, revealing disparities among different groups. The findings suggest that emerging digital cultural services and products could offer a remedy for achieving a more balanced development of cultural supply and demand in China.