For Sam Wang, the decision for China’s largest art and culture company to set up its North American headquarters in Vancouver was easy. And given the size of the parent firm, the potential benefits for B.C. could be considerable.

Wang is the controller of Poly Culture North America, which officially opened its doors last November after investment support group HQ Vancouver and Poly Culture reached an agreement in Beijing.

Poly is one of the highest-profile corporations in China, with operations ranging from real estate to military technology and mining. Its cultural arm, under which the Vancouver office operates, is both the world’s third-largest auction house (behind only Christie’s and Sotheby’s) and also the largest theatre operations and management firm in China.

“We feel very fortunate to be in Vancouver,” Wang said. “The environment fits every aspect of our mandate of being a platform for exchange between cultures.

“The local film industry and post-production is robust, the Chinese community is large, and there’s a large number of collectors here of Chinese art. The province has been very helpful, and it is really a very attractive place for us to do business.”

Poly Culture’s focus on art auctions, movie development and theatre management made Vancouver a natural fit, even compared to options such as New York and San Francisco, Wang said.

The company currently has seven employees at a temporary office in Richmond, but plans for quick expansion. Wang said an art gallery will likely open in Vancouver this year, along with a permanent office in downtown Vancouver.

And Poly Culture is already looking to make acquisitions in the local film industry, especially companies involved in post-production and animation.

A key aspect of Poly Culture’s business plan in Vancouver remains the establishment of a “cultural exchange platform” where Canadian artists and performers can book with the company to perform in one of its 43 theatre complexes throughout China. And Wang said Poly will bring China’s top cultural acts, such as the China Philharmonic Orchestra, to Vancouver for regular visits.

chchiang@vancouversun.com