News | April 15, 2025
World Art Day 2025: Sands China’s Community Revitalization Program Showcases Art and Culture in Macao
On April 15, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) observes World Art Day to promote the development, diffusion and enjoyment of art. UNESCO proclaimed the observance in 2019 to underscore the role art plays in nurturing creativity and driving innovation and cultural diversity.
The spirit of World Art Day is evidenced in the commitment Sands and its properties have made to preserving the unique artistic assets and cultural heritage of the company’s host regions as one of the core priorities under its global corporate responsibility program.
Sands China’s Community Revitalization Program is a prime example of this commitment. Launched in 2023 to revitalize important Macao historical, commercial and cultural landmarks in collaboration with the Macao SAR government, Sands China’s efforts have focused on creating artistic and cultural showcases at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, the Taipa Houses and the Macao Cultural Centre Square.
In mid-March, Sands China culminated two free public art installations, including Philip Colbert’s colorful maritime and cultural tourism art exhibition, “Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation in Macao,” and the Colorful Spark Pop-up Cultural Creative Playground at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory.
Sands China partnered with the world-renowned British contemporary pop artist Colbert to bring massive installations of his iconic Lobster cartoon persona to six locations as a highlight of Macao’s unique coastal beauty.
Held Jan. 15-March 16, the exhibition’s larger-than-life installations and themed sculptures were showcased at the Macao Science Center waterfront, ART Space at Macao Cultural Centre, The Venetian Macao outdoor lagoon and two of Sands China’s revitalization areas – the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses. Colbert drew inspiration from the two historic locations for creation of a Lobster Firecracker and Lobster Cockerel, which are remaining in Macao.
Another sculpture is being showcased at The Parisian® Macao’s authentic French garden Le Jardin until May 14.
“By introducing internationally renowned masterpieces to Macao, we aimed to boost the region’s coastal tourism offerings and promote the beauty of the city’s coastline – while further enriching Macao’s distinctive tourism and cultural atmosphere and enhancing its international reputation through this newly launched maritime and cultural art exhibition,” Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, said at the opening ceremony.
The Colorful Spark Pop-Up Creative Playground launched at the end of September 2024 and ran through mid-March, also at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory. The installation paid tribute to Macao’s history in the firecracker industry, while commemorating 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 interactive display featured spark-shaped art installations, educational and entertaining parent-child workshops, and mini games, all highlighting an important part of the region’s history and cultural heritage.
Other initiatives at the Iec Long Firecracker Factory and Taipa Houses have included activities and attractions in conjunction with the 70th Macau Grand Prix; a Spring Festival in Full Bloom, that showcased Chinese New Year and romantic-themed installations; and a Summer Fiesta that transformed the factory into the Iec Long Zoo with whimsical animal sculptures. Each of the events and installations featured a range of activities, games and attractions to welcome the community and encourage tourism in these areas.
The Macao Cultural Center Plaza has been another priority location for Sands China’s revitalization efforts, and the company has co-presented events here including the “Classics Reimagined: Golden Hour Harmonies” outdoor concert, the first Macao International Children’s Art Festival and the Winter Showcase featuring local bands.
To learn more about Sands China’s arts and cultural revitalization efforts in Macao, visit www.sandschina.com/the-company/scl-community-revitalization-programme.html