A textbook entitled, "Respect for Art: Visual Arts Administration and Management in China and the United States" launched in Beijing. (Photo: CCTV.com)

"Respect for Art" is the first book to grapple with issues of visual arts management and administration in China and the United States. The focus is on four areas: museums, non-profit spaces, the art market - including commercial galleries, expositions and auction houses, as well as public art. The book explores critical issues by spotlighting, and sometimes comparing, practices in the two countries.

Joan Jeffri, co-author of "Respect For Art", said, "China is looking at models in Europe, in the United States."

Fan Di'an, general director of China's national Museum of Fine Arts, said, "Both professionals and art lovers will benefit from the book. The book will serve as a textbook for art majors in Chinese academies."

The bilingual book emerges from the belief that "understanding begins when people talk with each other". Its aim is to explore "cultural differences, practical commonalities, present challenges and future needs" - all, to sustain a healthy respect for art.

(CCTV March 18, 2008)