‘Up close to art’: China's iconic venue marks 11th anniversary
Updated 16:30, 27-Dec-2018
Yu Fengsheng
["china"]
02:28
Get ready to get up close and personal with performers and artists! The National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing celebrated its 11th anniversary with an annual Public Open Day. Saturday's one-day special featured a variety of performances and art events that were free for visitors to enjoy.
"A stage everywhere" is happening at the National Center for the Performing Arts. Over 50 performances, from choruses, Peking Opera, chamber music, tap dancing to orchestral music, were staged at all theatres and public spaces in the center - an art feast that should not be missed.
A chamber music show staged on Public Open Day of the National Center for the Performing Arts. /CGTN Photo

A chamber music show staged on Public Open Day of the National Center for the Performing Arts. /CGTN Photo

Since 2009, it has been a tradition for the center to offer a series of art performances to audiences on its annual Public Open Day.
Zhao Jiachen, deputy director of the National Center for the Performing Arts, says: "The highlight of the Public Open Day is that all of the best productions by NCPA over the years will be showcased on this day. The masses can also see our achievements in benefiting and enriching the public's artistic life from our exhibitions, including our efforts to bring more free performances and free art education activities.
A visitor with artists at the National Center for the Performing Arts. /CGTN Photo

A visitor with artists at the National Center for the Performing Arts. /CGTN Photo

While enjoying the performances, visitors can also get up close and personal with performers and artists. One visitor says: "For me, the Open Day is really a good opportunity to learn more about the center, from all its theatres to artists. I got the chance to talk to them, and they shared their ideas and art experiences."
Over the past 11 years, the NCPA has presented nearly 10,000 performances, with over 800 art troupes from around the world appearing at the center. As a globally influential art producer, it has also rolled out 87 of its own productions.
A Peking Opera show staged on Public Open Day at the National Center for the Performing Arts. /CGTN Photo

A Peking Opera show staged on Public Open Day at the National Center for the Performing Arts. /CGTN Photo

The NCPA will also put on other art events to mark its 11th anniversary in the following months, including art exhibitions showcasing the center's achievements over the years. 
(Top image: File photo of The National Center for the Performing Arts. /VCG Photo)