Bring Your Own Beamer (BYOB) Submissions Due June 9, What it Takes to Get a Chinese Green Card

Kipp Whittaker | Jun 4, 2014 4:30 pm | Add a comment | 1735 reads

As we posted last month Michelle Proksell and Solveig Suess are initiating the first BYOB (Bring Your Own Beamer) exhibition on June 28, in Dashilar. Last week I had the pleasure of joining them and their special gang of art stars, to check some of the spaces they will be transforming with their projector themed happening at the end of the month. In cooperation with Dashilar Projects, a group of about 20 artists will be transforming these spaces with light and sound. Here are some pics from where this will be happening so that you can wrap your head around the potential of this interesting endevor.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept, BYOB was created as an outlet for video makers, or other creative freaks with access to a projector (video/film/overhead) to get together and exhibit space specific visual installations.

The theme for Beijing's inaugural event, is Rendering, which literally means transformation. Beijing's hutongs are in a perpetual state of evolution, demolition, and refurbishment. The goal of this neo-fluxus happening is to visually transform these shanty Beijing locations with images and imagination, rather than demolition and gentrified development.

Make sure to send your video and concept over to byob.beijing@gmail.com by Monday (June 9), and get involved in this amazing art event. More info on BYOB Beijing here.
 

China Considers Loosening Regulations on 'Green Card' to Attract More Foreigners

With only 4,700 foreigners having accepted permanent residency in China since it became available in 2004 until the end of 2011, local officials are pondering changes to the plan to attract more takers.

Qualifying seems simple enough. Foreigners who have been employed for at least four consecutive years at the level of assistant general manager or higher. Also, non-Chinese residents who make a minimum investment of USD 500,000 and receive a positive return on that for three years are eligible, according to the South China Morning Post. Spouses of permanent residency holders may also be eligible for the creatively named "green card."

The rewards also seem worthwhile for the long-term China resident: no need for visa renewals, no maximum stay, and the right to work. However, it comes with a significant downside, one which may be a primary factor in the small number of takers: China gains the right to tax the recipient's global income. Also, many long-term residents do not hold positions at the level required by the government, preventing them from applying. Find out more here, about this interesting development. 
 

Here are some more great events to help you commune this week:

Photos: Kipp Whittaker, BYOB, China Decoded