Abstract
This study undertakes an analysis of the experiences of Contemporary
Chinese artists engaged in collective organization in China’s burgeoning
art districts in Beijing. A new conceptual framework is employed in this
study which integrates theory from social movement theory and collective
action. I explore generally the issues and strategies of collective
organization in China, and specifically, analyze the development of a
recently founded organization, the Chinese Independent Artist Alliance
(CIAA). Data is collected through participant observation as well as
through semi-structured interviews of the founders of the CIAA. Data
analysis stretches beyond the scope of the main actors within the CIAA
into a sphere representing over 1000 artists, academics and activists in
China. Findings suggest that individual motivations for joining and
supporting the CIAA artist collective differ substantially however, the
various political and economic pressures faced by artists create a
shared identity among CIAA participants acting as glue holding the
collective together.