"China’s Creative Imperative is an extraordinary account of creativity in China, from the distant past to the vivid present and the near future. Beautifully written and full of insights, reading this book is imperative for all those interested in creativity, in China or in both."

"This landmark book opens a window for the outside worldto see Chinese people, to understand the genesis of Chinese creativity, its traditions and the potential that lies rooted in our culture. As a native Chinese, I really think that this endeavor will benefit business leaders in China and overseas tremendously, and even urge them to strategically re-examine the path to business development."

Over 5,000 years, Chinese civilization gave the world a wealth of discoveries, inventions and spectacular man-made monuments. And then, through 50 years of the Cultural Revolution, suddenly, people were conditioned to think, dress, study and work alike for the common good of the nation.

As China emerged from an imposed culture and opened up to the world, it did so with spectacular speed and color. This explosion of creativity pervades every class of society. it provides functional and aesthetic value, adding meaning, joy and a sense of achievement in life. It is indeed a tool, a strategy for social and economic reform. No small wonder that businesses and individuals are profiting from this explosion of creativity.

Based on interviews with a wide range of creators--designers, musicians, folk artists, painters; discussions with common people about the role that creativity plays in their seemingly mundane lives; and extensive trawling of the popular culture scene in China, China’s Creative Imperative provides the rich evidence and a provocative point-of-view that businesses and scholars will find hard to ignore.

Foreword by Shelly Lazarus, Chairman and CEO, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide

Preface

Acknowledgments

1 Genesis

2 A Short Cultural History of China: The glorious, inventive tradition

3 Republic, Revolution, Reform: How 20th-century political change influenced Chinese creativity

4 From Pianos to Postmodern Punk: The ferment in contemporary music in China

5 Million-Dollar Dreams: The art market takes off

6 Showbiz and Shooting Stars: Finding an outlet for creative talent on or behind the screen

7 Designed for Success: Products and fashion embrace creativity and set cash registers ringing

8 Stimulant of the Masses: The creative phenomenon that is sweeping the nation

9 Revelation: The Business Imperative: Busting some common myths about Chinese creativity

Index