When art and law meet: A brief case study of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (2013–2023)

Abstract

<p>China’s economic reforms in the 1980s have driven economic growth and the development of arts and cultural institutions. In 2021, the country implemented nationwide plans to enhance the art market, including constructing art trade centres, issuing legal documents for artwork listings, and improving education and professional training within the cultural sector. At the same time, the central government has emphasized bureaucratic legalization.</p><p>Shanghai’s role in economic modernization and its integration into the global market have brought about significant changes in the legal system, particularly within its Free Trade Zone. This study employs immersive fieldwork, case-study analysis and semi-structured interviews to examine the dynamics and processes that shape the implementation of China’s legal and regulatory framework amidst development of emerging art market infrastructure. It delves into the complex social implications of legal regulations and investigates the processes, challenges and tensions faced by the Free Trade Zone as it adapts to the growth of art trade while maintaining global connectivity. Through a socio-legal approach, the study explores the relationship between art and law. However, further research is needed to understand the roles and agency of legal intermediaries and the influence of the domestic art market on the formulation of legal instruments.</p>