Songzhuang artists fight demolition

Artists who rented workshops in an old factory, part of the Songzhuang art zone in Tongzhou district, have complained that they are being forcibly moved due to an unannounced demolition which started Sunday.

So far, parts of several buildings in the disused sugar processing plant, known as the Tangchang art zone, have been demolished.

The demolition, according to artists, is the latest conflict between them and Xiaopu property management company since 2011 when they found their rental contracts were transferred from the former owners, Haowei Oriental Food Company, to Xiaopu.

Xiaopu, who declined to comment Tuesday, have offered alternative accommodation to the artists, however a property expert has said that the deal to transfer the contracts is illegal.

"We contracted with the sugar company in 2009. But in 2011 the company transferred our rent contracts to Xiaopu without informing us," said artist Yang Xiaobing, who rents a space there.

Yang said that most of the artists who came to Tangchang to rent studios arrived in 2009, attracted by the cheap rent and the good environment. According to Yang, they first noticed the contract transfer in March 2011 when they found out that construction had started on new apartment blocks on land in front of the former factory.

"That area used to be covered with greenery and is part of the art zone. We were then harassed by the construction noise which had a bad influence on our creativity," said Yang.

Yang said that it was not until August 2011 that they saw a notice from Xiaopu, which informed them that the factory buildings were slated for demolition. They were urged to change their rental contracts to one with Xiaopu.

"But most artists didn't exchange their contracts," he said.

Chen Chunhu, manager of Haowei, said he sold out to Xiaopu in 2011.

"I notified those renters. Some renters agreed but some disagreed. But I had no choice. We needed to pay off our debts," said Chen.

In addition to the contract transfer they were not informed of, the artists said that they were unhappy with the compensation that Xiaopu offered.

Xiaopu has already built several 13-story apartment blocks on the land in front of the disused factory. The tenants have been offered alternative accommodation in the new blocks, but the size depends on what type of rental contract they signed.

Of the original 40 or so renters, 14 are still fighting for better compensation from Xiaopu, while the rest have moved elsewhere or taken the deal.

"Xiaopu has mentioned that we can substitute our current rented space for one in the newly-constructed buildings. But we're here for art creation, not for living. I can't accept moving into an apartment," said Yang.

"I'd like them to compensate me with the cash equivalent of the market rent price now, and I'll find a new place to rent," he said.

Artist Hu Dasheng, 68, who lives with his wife Liu Qingmei in the art zone, said that they feel unhappy because the compensation is not fair.

Hu rented his workshop in 2009, which cost him 90,000 yuan ($14,481) for a 10-year lease for a 100-square-meter space.

"The money was all paid upfront. It cost 120,000 yuan for 20 years and 60,000 yuan for five years," said Hu.

Hu said that he was told he could only get a 50-square-meter apartment in the new building, but those who had a 20-year rental contract can move into a 100-square-meter apartment for the remainder of their lease.

"This is unfair. I now only want to get a 75-square-meter apartment in the new building," Hu said.

Wang Cailiang, a lawyer at Beijing Cailiang Law Firm who specializes in demolition regulations, said that the artists have the right to ask for compensation both from the sugar company and Xiaopu.

"The sugar company should not have transferred the land to Xiaopu without asking for the approval of the artists since their property deal with the artists is still valid," said Wang.

"Demolishing the artists' homes and workshops without their approval is illegal," noted Wang.