‘Glass House’ to remain open for theatre and dance groups

The ‘Glass House’ stands at the Tap Seac Square

Theatre and dance groups looking for rehearsal space can now apply for the temporary use of Tap Seac’s ‘Glass House’, as part of the latest round of applications opened by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) today.
Artistic associations can submit a request to use the Glass House from today until January 31, IC revealed in a statement.
Earlier this week, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, had revealed that the IC has plans to revamp the Glass House in order to fix problems triggered by the building’s construction issues.
A program was launched in 2013 which was specially designed to temporarily hand over some of the Glass House’s rooms to theatre and dance groups in need of a place to rehearse. Three rooms on the ground floor have accommodated different artistic associations and groups since the program was initially launched.
The IC said it will adhere to its plan to develop the Glass House into a flagship, multifunctional space for the cultural and creative industries.
The bureau stated that current building renovation works will hopefully be completed in the second half of 2017.
Designed by local architect Carlos Marreiros, the Glass House has been vacant and inactive since 2007, following its construction.
The IC found water infiltration problems in several parts of the building during inspections in 2010.
The structure then underwent repair works while the bureau conducted “a thorough inspection” of the property to assess its structural integrity, electrical installation, as well as its ventilation and fire systems. The inspection works were completed in 2012.
In the following year, the building underwent maintenance works, according to a report issued after the 2012 inspection. In cooperation with the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT), the IC drafted a new revamp plan for the Glass House.
DSSOPT is currently operating a public tender to finalize the renovation works, which should be concluded within a 300-day deadline. The IC is hoping to finish all works by the second half of next year, so that the building can accommodate a Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) branch, a center for the supply of food products from the Portuguese-speaking countries, and a branch of “Macao Ideas.”
Ground floor rooms will be made available to local theatre and dance groups. Those interested in securing a rehearsal venue should hand in an application form and the required documents to the Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries. More information can be found at http://www.macaucci.com. CP