Sands China nurtures vibrant arts and culture scene in Macao

Over the past two decades, Sands China has supported the growth of local arts and culture, aligning with the government’s ‘tourism+’ policy, enriching the non-gaming experiences of residents and visitors, and strengthening the city’s cultural and artistic growth.

Sands Gallery

Sands China opened its Sands Gallery in 2022, and has since hosted exhibitions by local and international artists, enriching the cultural experience of Macao residents and visitors. The company believes the high-level art exhibitions of this permanent exhibition space will play an active role in propelling artistic diversity and promoting exchange and cooperation among artistic groups from Macao, mainland China and other countries.

Sands China has showcased experimental masterpieces from Fang Lijun, one of the “Four Giants” of Chinese contemporary art, and has organized exhibitions for Greater Bay Area and Macao artists, including Zhaoying Zhang, Sisi Wong, Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou, and Lai Sio Kit. Sands China hopes exhibitions like these will cultivate art appreciation among visitors, inspire Macao’s artists, and stimulate the local cultural and creative industries. The company is committed to bolstering artistic exchange to support the Macao government’s promotion of non-gaming offerings and to contribute to Macao’s integration into the overall development of the nation.

Supporting Art Macao

Sands China recently presented the Art Macao 2023 exhibition “Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor,” attracting over 6 million visits.

The exhibition featured iconic large-scale outdoor art installations – Mickey Lobster and Technicolor Mickey – created by famous pop artists Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor, bringing a magical journey of vibrant colors to the Cotai Strip. Some of their other incredible artworks were also exhibited at The Venetian Macao’s lobby and quickly became popular photo hotspots. 

Sands China simultaneously presented “Behind the Forms: Aesthetics of Contemporary Art – Trio Exhibition by Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou and Lai Sio Kit,” a collateral exhibition of Art Macao, supplying a platform for promoting extensive exchange and cooperation among local and international art talent, while promoting the appreciation of the aesthetics of contemporary art to the public.

Sands China’s additional Art Macao event at the Macao Museum of Art, titled “Behind the Forms: The Essence of Contemporary Art,” featured professor Ung Vai Meng, a prominent scholar and local artist. A panel discussion featuring Professor Ung delved into the profound significance of contemporary art and encouraged the audience of local artists, art students, and the public to collectively explore the fundamental questions that arise in its appreciation. Sands China also commissioned Ung to create a work of his own, titled “The Genesis of Rationality,” for Art Macao’s Invitational Exhibition by Local Artists at the Macao Cultural Centre.

Sands Performing Arts Program

Earlier this year, Sands China introduced the Sands Performing Arts Program to broaden the scope of performing arts in Macao, by introducing and promoting premier national local and overseas performing art projects. The program fully utilizes Macao’s role as a platform of international exchange, in alignment with the Macao SAR government’s vision for the integrated tourism and leisure industry.

It attracted over 11,000 audience members to watch 10 top-notch national and international performances, including the play “The Peony Pavilion” from the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award competition; the wildly acclaimed Cantonese opera performance Floral Princess; Vienna-based quartet Janoska Ensemble’s unique interpretations of classical pieces; and the dramatic “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting.”

The company also organized two masterclasses, offering a chance for local art lovers a close-up exchange with canto-opera and music artists, promoting art and culture exchanges and fostering the professional development of performing arts.

Promoting development of Macao’s film industry

Five locally produced micro movies premiered at The Londoner Macao as part of the 2022 New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program, organized by the Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District (CIPA) and sponsored by Sands China. The annual program helps new-generation local filmmakers produce micro movies, thereby bolstering the development of filmmaking talent in Macao, and offers courses covering directing, screenwriting, acting, make-up artistry, editing, and special effects. Sands China’s program sponsorship demonstrates the company’s commitment to nurturing local filmmakers for the sustainable development of Macao’s film industry.

Sands China is also sponsoring the 2024 International Film Camp (IFC) launched by the Asian Film Awards Academy, which promises to be a transformative experience for aspiring filmmakers by offering a comprehensive curriculum to enhance their skills and knowledge. Throughout the duration of the camp, participants will benefit from the guidance and mentorship of renowned industry professionals, who will share their expertise and provide valuable insights into filmmaking.

Lok Hei “As always, the Macau Artist Society has brought together local artists, especially young ones, with the aim of fostering their development. Whether it’s the older generation’s sketches or young artists’ ways of presenting ideas in various forms, the aim is to share their spiritual pursuit with the audience. We are very glad to be showcasing the three artists’ masterpieces through Art Macao here at Sands Gallery. This exhibition drew attention to the importance of the ideas behind artworks, while promoting the growth of local emerging artists and the curatorial team of the Macau Youth Art Association.” President, Macau Artist Society, co-organiser of the ‘Behind the Forms’ exhibition

Philip Colbert “Lobsters have a long history in arts and that is why I like the surrealism, fun and humour of lobsters. Macao is the ultimate city of pop art and it gives me a lot of inspiration – this is why I have always wanted to exhibit in Macao. I have showcased a huge art installation in Venice, so my Lobster character has a close connection with Venice. Bringing this character to The Venetian Macao is like a new and fun adventure.” Artist, ‘Meet the Magic’ exhibition for Art Macao, presented by Sands China

Jason Naylor “The collaboration with Sands China in Art Macao’s special exhibition is a magical experience. I want to spread love, positive vibes, optimism, and kindness, and I do it using bright colours. The OPN Heart is one of the artworks in this exhibition. It is designed to open its hands and hearts, inviting the audience to share love, joy, and positive energy to others. I am very glad to be able to spread ‘respect and acceptance’ in such a vibrant city. The culture in this dynamic city with history is incredibly unique and rich with great inspiration.” Artist,  ‘Meet the Magic’ exhibition

Janoska Ensemble “This was our debut in Macao and it felt very special. It is our mission to support young musicians, thus, we are happy to give suggestions and show them how to insert their own style and personality into music [at Sands China’s masterclass for young Macao and Hong Kong music enthusiasts], making music sound freer and livelier.”