The British abstract painter's works are now on display in Beijing.

"A lot of the energy in China comes from entrepreneurs. They are likely to be the basis for the great collections of China," Dodd says, adding that while building is the easier part, making the museums attractive to visitors and hosting exhibitions regularly are tougher.

"It will take another generation to know what to do and how to do it professionally," he says, referring to the globalized Chinese who are educated abroad and can make that transformation if they do not lose touch with their roots.

Dodd says he is working to build a cultural center in Beijing's Wangfujing area, where "China meets the world".

Contact the writer at linqi@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

Like Singing and Dancing

9:30 am-5:30 pm, closed Mondays, through Aug 20. CAFA art museum, 8 Huajiadi South Street, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-6477-1575.