THE 17th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) will be held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in Bao’an District and 67 subvenues around the city from Sept. 23 to 27. The Dafen Oil Painting Village, a cultural attraction integrating painting, trading and sightseeing in Longgang District, has been a subvenue of the ICIF since the fair was inaugurated in 2004. It was also the only subvenue of the first ICIF. With more than 1,800 galleries and art organizations, Dafen is acclaimed as the first oil painting village in China, focusing on painting, calligraphy, crafts, sculptures and other supporting industries. Artworks from Dafen are sold all over the world. Thanks to hosting a subvenue of the ICIF, the unique industrial model of the village has been extensively reported by the press. In 2007, the Dafen Art Museum was built, becoming a breeding ground for contemporary art and in 2018, the first Dafen International Oil Painting Biennale was launched, bringing global vision into this art village. Online sales have also helped Dafen painters and dealers survive the 2008 global financial crisis and the current pandemic. (Cao Zhen) | 