Zhang invested more than 50 million yuan (US$73,000) in the private museum. "Most museums in China are operated like an administrative organization instead of a space for people to enjoy the happiness brought by artworks themselves," he says. "I simply wanted to create a place to bring happiness to many people."

Describing himself "a born businessman," Zhang also runs galleries and art bookstores, and publishes 6 art magazines and about 40 art books every year. The revenues are used to cover the museum's operating costs.

The next trend in China's art scene, he believes, will be the development of art investment funds, an idea still in its initial stage in the country.

"Art should be opened to the public," he says. "In China, most artworks are bought by private collectors, while in the more mature overseas markets, it is common to have an art organization collect money and help investors co-invest in a expensive pieces of art. This is my plan for Today Art Museum."

A member of the Chinese Writers Association and the Chinese Calligraphers Association, Zhang developed an interest in reading and writing when he was young. He was a war correspondent during the Vietnam War and published numerous works during that period. Later, he studied at the Beijing Film Academy and became a director after graduation.

It was due to the lack of funds to produce a film of his own that he decided to venture into the world of business. Today, to realize his original dream, the billionaire has created Movie Property Group to produce his own movie, both written and directed by Zhang.

He says even nowadays, out of habit he still carries a notebook everywhere he goes to write down his thoughts and work on the script.

"Art, to me, is like the sun; without it every day would be cloudy," he concludes. "I am a businessman but art helps to lighten up my life."

(Shanghai Daily July 18, 2008)