Shanghai Conservatory of Music and its Art Management Department collaborated with Shanghai Olive Classical Music Association to host a three-day course called Performing Arts Management Leaders’ Seminar from June 2 to 4.

The lecturers were leading experts from their respective industries and the seminar focused on combining management theories and practice. All 200 tickets were booked out days after its release. Lin Zaiyong, president of SHCM, spoke highly of the seminar at the opening ceremony and said arts management has a promising future in China.

The first day’s lecturers were Chen Ping, president of the National Center for the Performing Arts, and Xie Dajing, honorary chairman of the Chinese Society of Arts Management Education. Their lectures were titled “Scientific Strategies Are the Key to the Success of Theatres” and “Strategic Design of Macro-management of the Performing Arts Industries.” The former focused on the long-term development of theatres, the latter was about performing arts industries’ macro-design. Xie’s macro-design piqued many audiences’ interest, the Q&A session lasted for 45 minutes.

The second day’s courses were Arts Marketing and Arts Appreciation and Guide, presided over by Lin Hongming, director of the Arts Management Department, and Tao Xin, Ph.D. advisor of SHCM. The two lectures addressed the weak link of the performing arts industries. Lin gave a three-hour lecture laden with arts marketing ideas and marketing cases. Using case analysis, Tao gave his thoughts on the arts management in the industry, emphasizing the importance of arts appreciation and guidance.

The last day’s lectures were given by world-renowned conductor Tang Muhai and Ju Tzong-Ching, board chairman of Taipei Performing Arts Center, on the Development of Symphonies and Comparison of Chinese and Foreign Symphony Orchestras, and Operation and Management of Performing Arts Groups. Coupled with contagious body language and humorous language, Ju gave his ideas on arts management and its future.

Fang Yongnian, director general of Yangtze River Delta Performing Alliance, and Cui Xingliang, vice-chairman of China Culture Administration Association Performing Arts Working Committee, also attended the courses and shared their thoughts on performing art and the industry.