Experts propose fostering new forms of cultural businesses

In recent years. East China's Zhejiang province has been seeking to transform its cultural resources into a driver for social development, a pursuit which has already yielded fruitful results.

The Government Work Report of the State Council states that governments should promote the application of internet plus in various fields and should work to foster new forms of cultural businesses.

Three deputies to the 13th National People's Congress shared their views on the fusion of internet and culture, which they believed would take on new forms in the future.

Jiang Shengnan, a scriptwriter from the Wenzhou Art Research Institute, said online literature in China has seen strong growth recently. At the end of 2017, the number of people subscribed to online literature had reached 378 million, 48.9 percent of total netizens, Jiang added.

"Currently, there are over 1,000 online literature writers in Zhejiang and their works are quite influential across the country," said the NPC deputy.

Cui Wei, director of the Hangzhou Opera and Dance Theatre, discussed the positive effects advanced internet technology has had on artworks. "Abundant technology endows art shows with a new vitality," he explained.

Cui also pointed out that while artists can draw support from technology, the actual content of their artwork is more important.

Wang Binmei, deputy director of the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe, shared her ideas on how to develop traditional culture in today's online world.

She said that new forms of cultural businesses are the new envoys of Chinese traditional culture, "Opera can be transformed by telling stories and using performance styles that are favored by young people."

Wang pointed out that the Xiaobaihua troupe has already started doing this by creating new performances based on children's stories such as The Little Match Girl to attract younger viewers.