Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

A new arts center was opened in Xiangzhou's Lian'an community, Gongbei street, on March 25, providing residents with cultural, artistic, and leisure facilities.

Xiangzhou District opens a new arts center on March 25 at Lian'an community, Gongbei street, the largest of its kind in the area. [Photo / Zhuhai Daily]

Located at No 108 Lian'an Road, the arts center cover 4,783 sq m, making it the largest community culture service station in the area.

The community center was commissioned after surveys of the needs of local residents, and includes 14 different zones for reading, playing musical instruments, and displaying new technology. 

So far, more than 20 social and community groups have been attracted to organize regular activities, eight of which, including the Red Cross Society of Zhuhai and Huafa Yuechao (Read Zone) have their own dedicated space.

According to staff members at the arts center, an online service platform will be launched this June, allowing people to book venues, schedule activities, and feedback. It is developed by Zhuhai NPI Foundation, a public service organization, under the support from the government.

The center will also introduce CPP (Card, Platform, and Project), to allow for greater participation, assessment, and self-management. The combination of the score system and the membership system is designed to sustain high levels of participation. Any program which receives negative feedback will be improved or cancelled.

One of the highlights on the opening day was the AR (augmented reality) experience center featuring an ocean world. Visitors colored in sketches of fish then scanned them into the computer which then brings them to life on the screen. It was developed by Zhuhai 4-D Age Technology, a leading visual effects service provider.  

"It's amazing," said one visitor. "I'm so happy to have a good arts center, it's a great place for parents to bring their children."

Calligraphy masters show their skills on the opening day of the Lian'an arts center. [Photo / Zhuhai Daily]

The library of the center is filled with all kinds of books. [Photo / Zhuhai Daily]