Young at art: Macau’s arts scene gets a burst of energy
More venues are opening up for exhibitions and a new breed of young artist has emerged to produce diverse works in different styles
In recent years, the local art scene in Macau has enjoyed a new lease on life. There are more venues for exhibitions and the types of work showcased are also increasingly diverse.
“As the public enjoys more exposure to art exhibitions, more people become interested in studying fine arts. The older generations of artists in Macau were more pragmatic in their works, but in the last few years, a new breed of artist has emerged to produce works of different styles. That has injected new energy to the art scene in Macau,” says local artist Lai Sutweng.
Little galleries and exhibition spaces are often located in historical buildings, giving the experience a quintessential Macau flavour.
She recommends that visitors check out the Macao Art Garden, created from a dilapidated 50-year-old Chinese tenement building on the Avenida Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues in Nape district, near Pooi To Middle School and St. Rose of Lima’s School. It is the fruit of a collaboration between the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture and various community art groups to support local art development.
“There are exhibition spaces with events open to the public, and there is a coffee shop downstairs where people can relax. The neighbourhood is also quite peaceful.”
In the last few years, a new breed of artists has emerged to produce works of different styles. That has injected new energy to the art scene in Macau
The five-storey structure offers a total building area of 1,300 square metres and an outdoor garden of almost 300 square metres. Some 50 local artists have set up their studios there, and there are also classrooms for art courses. Souvenirs featuring local artists’ works are available from the gift shop.
