Exploring the Operational Modes and Challenges of Contemporary Art Museums in the second-tier city 

This study takes Ikon Gallery, a contemporary art museum in Birmingham, UK, and Xie Zilong Video Art Museum in Changsha as case studies. Through researching and analysing the founding backgrounds and modes of operation of the two art museums, we summarise the advantages and shortcomings of the two museums, analyse the relevance and promotion of the two museums to the development of local culture, art and economy, and make their modes of operation provide reference solutions for the establishment of contemporary art museums in China’s second-tier cities. Through interviews with internal staff of the two museums, this study hopes to further understand the background details, modes of operation, and impacts of the two art museums from the perspective of professionals.