Core Viewpoint - 卓优智美教育咨询集团 is seeking to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on the art training sector, despite a projected decline in net profit for 2024 [1][18]. Company Overview - 卓优智美, founded in 2018, provides art training courses for children and teenagers, including dance, painting, calligraphy, and vocal training, primarily operating in Jiangxi and Hunan provinces [5][11]. - The company operates 114, 7, and 11 art training centers under the "小苹果" brand in Nanchang, Ganzhou, and Changsha, respectively [5]. - The company plans to expand its business by establishing new training centers in major cities in Southern China [22]. Financial Performance - In 2023, 2024, and the first five months of 2025, the company's revenue was approximately 128 million, 130 million, and 59 million yuan, with corresponding net profits of about 11.87 million, 5.35 million, and 9.94 million yuan [19]. - The gross profit margin for 2023, 2024, and the first five months of 2025 was approximately 42.4%, 38.0%, and 50.7% [19]. - The company experienced a 55% decline in net profit in 2024 due to increased costs related to employee wages, property depreciation, and financing [18]. Market Context - The Chinese art education market is projected to grow from 1,766 billion yuan in 2024 to 2,255 billion yuan by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 5% [24]. - The children's and youth art education market is expected to reach 1,554 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for 88% of the overall art education market [26]. - The industry is highly fragmented and competitive, with numerous players including both local and national institutions [27][28]. Challenges and Risks - The company faces challenges such as a declining number of new births in China, which may reduce its potential customer base [22]. - The number of art training centers operated by the company has decreased from 144 at the end of 2023 to 135 by May 2025 [22]. - The company is heavily reliant on its operations in Jiangxi province, where approximately 95% of its revenue is generated, making it vulnerable to local policies and business environments [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that true artistic education goes beyond superficial engagement and requires deep commitment and perseverance to cultivate genuine artistic qualities in children [1][2][4]. Group 1: Importance of Deep Engagement in Arts Education - Many parents mistakenly believe that arts education can be approached lightly, focusing only on surface-level skills rather than the depth of learning required to truly develop character and resilience [1][2]. - The process of learning art is described as a journey filled with challenges and achievements, where children learn to overcome difficulties and develop essential life skills such as perseverance and focus [2][3]. Group 2: Historical Perspective on Artistic Development - Historical examples illustrate that the cultivation of artistic qualities is a long-term process, requiring sustained effort and practice rather than fleeting moments of inspiration [2][3]. - The article references figures like Wang Xizhi, who exemplified the dedication needed to master an art form, highlighting that true mastery comes from years of diligent practice [2]. Group 3: The Role of Arts Education in Personal and Cultural Growth - Arts education fosters not only individual growth but also the transmission and innovation of cultural values, emphasizing the need for educators to create environments that encourage exploration and creativity [3][4]. - The article concludes that the focus should not be on where children learn the arts, but rather on how they engage with the learning process, ensuring they experience challenges and creativity in a supportive environment [4].

Core Insights - A recent survey by the National Institute of Art Research in Japan revealed that 51.7% of young people aged 15 to 25 do not visit art museums at all [1][3] - Foreign respondents expressed surprise at this finding, attributing it to the prevalence of entertainment options and smartphone usage, which distracts youth from engaging with art [3] - The lack of emphasis on art education in Japanese schools was also highlighted as a contributing factor to the disinterest in art among young people [3] Group 1: Japanese Youth and Art Museums - 51.7% of Japanese youth aged 15-25 reported that they "never go to art museums" [1] - Only 24.7% of Japanese youth visit art museums at least once a year [4] Group 2: Foreign Perspectives - Canadian respondents noted that constant engagement with smartphones and TVs leads to missing out on significant art experiences [3] - American respondents pointed out that social media allows access to art information without visiting museums [3] - Russian respondents mentioned a global trend where many prefer home entertainment over cultural education due to various pressures [3] Group 3: Art Education and Government Initiatives - German respondents emphasized the importance of art education, stating that they have around 10 years of art classes, which fosters interest in art [3] - In Russia, the government has implemented the "Pushkin Card" program, subsidizing museum visits for young people aged 14-22 [3] - In Spain, 45.5% of young people aged 16-29 visit art museums at least once a year, with government support for student visits [4] - In Germany, 49.1% of young people visit art museums at least once a year, with many museums offering free entry [4]

Core Viewpoint - The concert "Qing Yun Hua Zhang · Times Symphony," organized by Dalian University, successfully showcased the artistic and ideological significance of classic vocal works, emphasizing the theme of "Remembering History, Advancing Revival" [1] Group 1: Concert Overview - The concert featured performances by the Dalian City International Symphony Orchestra and Dalian University Symphony Orchestra, along with outstanding young vocalists, creating a blend of artistry, thought, and contemporary relevance [1] - The concert was divided into two halves, with the first half focusing on classic revolutionary songs that highlighted the spirit of revolution through youthful voices [3] Group 2: Performance Highlights - Notable performances included the song "Chang Zhi Jiu An," which promotes national security, and "Xing Xing Dao," an original piece that was fresh and lively [3] - Other performances showcased traditional culture, such as "Yue Ren Ge" and "Li Hua Song," which were delivered with precision and elegance, while "Shi Ba Luo Da Chao" highlighted the artistic characteristics of Northeast folk songs [3] Group 3: Audience Reception - The concert concluded with the original song "Because of Love," symbolizing the responsibilities and commitments of the new generation, followed by a collective rendition of "Wo He Wo De Guo Tu," which elevated the atmosphere to a peak of emotional engagement [5] - Audience members expressed surprise at the professional level of the young performers, indicating a successful return to artistic education [5] Group 4: Educational Significance - The success of the concert exemplified the integration of ideological education at various educational levels, as noted by the artistic director, who emphasized the importance of respecting the developmental needs of youth in vocal education [7] - The concert was guided by several local government and cultural organizations, highlighting the collaborative effort in promoting youth education through the arts [9]

Group 1 - The article discusses the increasing trend of families taking children to cultural events such as museums and theaters during summer vacations, highlighting a growing appreciation for artistic experiences [1] - There is a notable prevalence of Russian ballet troupes performing "Swan Lake" in China, raising questions about the cultural export dynamics and the motivations behind these performances [3][5] - The article critiques the quality of many performing arts groups, suggesting that some may not meet the expected standards of professionalism and artistry, often referred to as "water troupes" [6][55] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the lack of discernment among audiences due to limited exposure to classical arts, leading to a situation where subpar performances can be mistaken for high-quality productions [7][8] - It points out that many of these troupes use misleading names and branding to create an illusion of prestige, which can mislead audiences about their true nature and quality [12][13] - The article provides examples of how some groups, despite their grand names, are essentially amateur or semi-professional ensembles, raising concerns about the authenticity of their performances [15][20] Group 3 - The article highlights the financial aspects of renting prestigious venues for performances, indicating that the mere presence of a troupe in a well-known theater does not guarantee high-quality performances [29][30] - It mentions that ticket prices for these "water troupes" are often not significantly lower than those of reputable companies, despite the vast differences in performance quality [36][34] - The article suggests that the proliferation of these lower-quality troupes in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai is unusual, given the availability of better artistic resources [55][60] Group 4 - The article identifies the top ballet and symphony companies in Russia and Vienna, emphasizing that only a few truly represent the pinnacle of classical arts [39][41] - It notes that while top-tier companies do tour China, the costs associated with such tours limit their performances primarily to major cities with higher cultural consumption capabilities [45][46] - The article concludes by stressing the importance of genuine artistic education and the need for audiences to be more discerning in their choices, as well as the potential for local talent to rise to prominence [62][59]