Member Article

North East gallery perfects the art of international success

A Newcastle-based art gallery is marking its expansion into China with the launch of a new exhibition of Chinese art.

Opus Art, which operates out of premises in Gosforth, has just opened a new office in Beijing. The gallery is also developing links with leading Chinese galleries with the intention of allowing western artists new opportunities to access the Chinese market - and vice versa.

the company has previously exhibited works by well-known contemporary artists such as Damian Hirst, Peter Blake and Dave White, and actively supports a number of North East artists. Now, as a result of its new venture, Opus is launching “Brave New World”, a never before seen collection of Chinese contemporary art. The exhibition will be on display at Opus’ gallery in Gosforth, 6 February - 6 April.

To help them make the move into China successful, Opus Art sought assistance from UK Trade and Investment.

Don Smith, Director of Opus Art, said: “We have been operating successfully in the international art market since we were established in 2005, but had never before considered opportunities in China. However, the art market in China has grown significantly over the last couple of years.

“Working with UKTI has helped us identify where the opportunities lie, and given us the support we needed to make the move. Opening our new office in Beijing has made it so much easier to make contact with some of China’s most exciting contemporary artists and develop links with our trading partners.”

Dr Zhengming Yang, UK Trade & Investment’s China Business Development Manager, added: “Opus Art spent a lot of time researching the market in China and seeking our advice on the best way to do business. I’m delighted that all their efforts have led to them launching their first exhibition of Chinese art. Having established their new office in Beijing, the company is now well-placed to build on this success.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .