China has a strong tradition of art and it is quite rightly ingrained as part of the national heritage. Early examples of Neolithic Yangshao pottery show just how far back the country's natural appreciation of art goes. Pottery and sculptures led the way in those early years, but it is the painted canvas variety of art that has come to the fore in recent times.

The closest thing to a gallery in many cities. [Jonathan Jones]

It is not surprising that as wealth creation continues to raise disposable incomes, many Chinese choose to purchase works of art both as an investment and as a decoration for their homes. As China takes its place as the largest purchaser of luxury goods in the world, this trend is not likely to end anytime soon.

Viewing art, whether it is of ancient landscapes, contemporary portraits or anything in between, is an inspirational experience. Admiration for the creative skill involved is just the tip of the iceberg because a painting can stimulate feelings and thoughts in a way that is very personal to the viewer. Interpreting what the artist has captured is a creative process in itself and can lead to an insight into your own mind as much as that of the artist.

Modern Chinese contemporary artists, as well as more traditional ones, have recently taken the art world by storm and their works are selling for millions of dollars. Their talent is unquestioned, but their exposure to the home market is extremely limited. The great art galleries in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Guangzhou are a match for many in the West and allow their citizens to experience the full joy of art, but where are the galleries in the smaller cities?

Most cities have a museum of one description or another, but very few have a specific place dedicated to art. A few paintings or scrolls hanging in the corner on the third floor of a museum do not constitute a gallery. A stall selling mass-produced pieces of art may be found in some tourist towns, but that hardly counts as place to see unique works, either.

The size, location or wealth of a city is no excuse for not providing a standing collection of artwork. The building boom has ensured that there is enough vacant commercial space to display art and the type of work on show can be made to fit any budget. Most masterpieces are out of reach of all but a few, but a display of emerging artists' work would probably cost little and yet would bring pleasure to both the artists and the public.

Art is a form of expression and representation that dates back to antiquity and beyond. It is a human trait that exists in all of us to one degree or another. Even if we can't produce it, we can still appreciate it. That is the beauty of art: it encompasses everyone, from all age groups and all social backgrounds.

To leave art in the hands of a few wealthy investors or assume only residents in mega-cities deserve to gaze upon the painted canvas is a mistake. Whether you live in a city of a few hundred thousand or a few million should make no difference. The price tag is undoubtedly weighted toward the larger population but when you look at art, the first thought you have does not have to be, "How much did it cost?"

Local authorities have the chance to enhance their citizens' lives without breaking the budget. If they cannot or will not oblige, then it is left to the new generation of wealthy Chinese entrepreneurs to fill the void and imitate some of the philanthropists in the West by displaying their art collections for everyone to admire.

Whether the new galleries are public or private at this stage is immaterial. There simply needs to be galleries for local populations to explore, interpret and enjoy.

The author is a communications professional, film maker and published writer with a keen interest in life.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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