MORE than 60 artists built their studios in the 1919 Creative Industrial Park in Shibei District, a former industrial park full of old factories.

    A watercolor painting exhibition was held by the 305 Art Studio in the park. “There have been a lot of similar exhibitions this year,” said Zhang Tuantuan, an official from the park’s management department. The factory houses belong to the city’s Yizhong cigarette factory which began construction in 1919. “After two years of construction and marketing promotion, it has now become a base for local artists and will become a national-level art base, attracting top artists,” said Zhang.

    “The exhibition features works by about 30 local painters. All the paintings were made this year. Qingdao is the home of watercolor painting and this is an important platform for us to share our experience and skills,” said Li Tongzhou, a young painter at the 305 Art Studio.

    Children have been known to come to the park to learn how to paint in their free time.

    The studio is home to a very close-knit art community. The 30 painters whose works were exhibited included professional painters, students, art teachers and businessmen.

    Sun Zengdi’s studio is located on the second floor of the art center. The national art master opened his painting studio in the park last year after retiring from Qingdao Daily. “The facilities and talent are both first-rate. We will go from strength to strength as more people get involved,” said Sun. Sun plans to hold an exhibition at the National Art Museum next year.

    There were only about 20 artists in the park when it first opened in 2009. There are now more than 60, including established masters such as Zhang Baitao, Sun Zendi, Yuan Yutang, Gao Dongfang, Shan Hong, Wang Weiye, Dou Fengzhi and Diao Yunbo.

    “There are also many art organizations in the park. The environment is very conducive to creativity,” said a member of staff at the park. Since its inception, Shandong Sculpture Artists Creative Center, Shandong Watercolor Painting Creative Center, Qingdao Association of Sculptors and Modern Art Center have opened in the city. The centers help the artists organize provincial and national exhibitions on a regular basis, making the park a nationally famous spot in art circles.

    Learning from the 798 art zone in Beijing, the park has created an effective channel to promote the city’s art development. In May, more than 8 million yuan was invested for upgrading and it is expected that the new park will attract more than 100 artists in the future, including top international artists.

    Meanwhile, a seminar center has also been built, aiming at attracting more international artists to attend academic discussions, forums and art salons.

(Wang Yuanyuan, Qing Bao)