Sands China co-organizes exhibition celebrating dual anniversaries

In a significant move to commemorate the rich cultural heritage of Macau, Sands China is hosting an exhibition at Sands Macao, serving as a reminder of Macau’s dynamic history and its promising future as a cultural hub in Asia.

The exhibition, titled “Art of Prosperity: An Invitational Exhibition of Macao Artists,” is set to celebrate significant milestones in Chinese history, specifically the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland.

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions and features a total of 250 masterpieces spanning various forms, including Chinese painting, oil painting, watercolor, calligraphy, seal carving, digital drawing, printmaking, sculpture, clay, and others.

The exhibited works were created by 230 invited artists from Macau and 20 from Hong Kong.

Lok Hei, head of the exhibition’s preparatory committee, said: “75 years is just a flick of a finger in the vast expanse of human history; but for our country and for the Chinese people, it heralds a new world with great changes.”

He added, “Macau’s artists have established themselves in the local art scene with their remarkable achievements. Through this exhibition, we would like to share in the joy of this year of dual celebrations with their exquisite works and extend our best wishes for the prosperity and strength of our nation, as well as for the peace and happiness of people across the country.”

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., reflected on the importance of Sands Macao as the venue, stating, “This coincides with the 20th anniversary of Sands Macao, the property that laid the foundation for our company’s growth on the Cotai Strip 20 years ago.”

Dr. Wong expressed that the exhibition’s variety of works from Macau and Hong Kong showcases the solidarity and deep friendship of the two special administrative regions under the care of the motherland. “You can feel the energy and vibrancy of the local art scene,” he noted, highlighting how these artworks reflect Macau’s transition towards a diversified economy and a robust cultural industry. 

The 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland is a momentous occasion that underscores its unique identity as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with a rich blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences.

Dr. Wong remarked on the significance of returning to the roots of Sands Macao for this celebration: “The exhibition not only serves as a retrospective journey through art but also as a testament to Macau’s commitment to enhancing its cultural landscape.”

That landscape is set to be enriched by the unique vision of calligraphy artist Sou Kam Leong.

“The works exhibited in this exhibition are all of high quality. I hope that through this special opportunity, we can communicate with different calligraphy circles in Macau and Hong Kong, and to mutually advance. The theme of my calligraphy work on display is evergreen trees. With the evergreen leaves all year round, we wish the motherland and Macau continued prosperity.”

Meanwhile, artist Lei Tak Seng explained that the theme of the exhibition reflects not only the artistic prowess of the region, but also celebrates the rich traditions associated with autumn in Chinese culture. “Autumn represents a time of harvest—a poetic moment in our history,” Lei noted, connecting the season of the National Day, which also falls in autumn.

As visitors explore this vibrant showcase, they are reminded of Macau’s dynamic history and its promising future as a cultural hub in Asia. The event stands as a celebration not just of art, but also of community growth and resilience over two decades. 

Under the guidance of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Art of Prosperity: An Invitational Exhibition of Macao Artists is organized by Macao Artist Society and the Yu Un Chinese Calligraphers and Painters Association of Macao, co-organized by Sands China Ltd. and the Macao Foundation, and is sponsored by the Cultural Development Fund of the Macao SAR, with the support of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR and the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macao.

“Art of Prosperity: An Invitational Exhibition of Macao Artists” runs until November 28 at the Sands Macao 4/F Ballroom.