An idyllic exhibition space

"The number of visits has grown steadily since the art season began, especially during weekends, when many parents bring their children to experience a rural idyll while visiting the exhibition," Tao says.

The museum is also equipped with special spaces, including those for meetings, research and on-site porcelain production. Public facilities, such as a customer center, cafe, bookstore and courts for basketball and tennis are available to vary the visitors' experience.

In August 2019, the museum and its surroundings were upgraded. Exquisite sculptures have been installed to embellish the museum's environment. Pedestrian lanes have been paved and hundreds of peach trees were planted in an orchard next to the museum.

The museum has played a positive role in boosting rural tourism, improving the local environment and popularizing art, according to the local government.

Its opening has changed rural life as well.

"Villagers were curious, but wary of the museum at first, but then gradually made their way inside," says Lu Jiangang, a senior official with Jinqian village of Liantang town. "They don't necessarily understand (the artworks) but are indeed attracted to them, and some also bring their children here," Lu says.

An increasing number of local residents have begun to practice calligraphy and painting since the museum opened, Lu adds.

In China, art museums are mostly situated in the cities and urban centers, with few museums found in rural areas, explains Chen Rui, an exhibition planner. So far, economic development has outpaced that of rural culture and an art museum can help art take root in small villages, Chen says.

Speaking about future development, Tao says more space will be explored and more group activity programs will be introduced at Ke Art Museum.

Facilities offering pastoral art and related experiences will be built.

"Farming activities will be customized based on tourism requirements to encourage more visits," Tao says, adding that the surrounding farmlands will be redesigned to ensure every season offers various programs for visitors to join in and experience the rural life.

Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn