Search Issues
The cultural and creative industry is one of the major industries in the 21st century. The utilisation of cultural resources and the development of creative and cultural activities generate a great deal for the economy, therefore, many countries have identified the development of the featured cultural and creative industry as a strategy to boost the economy, using their countries uniqueness as an advantage for development, along with the links of product differentiation and tourism resources, to establish a quality image and stimulate business opportunities. Other than European countries and the US, many Asian countries and regions have also attached great importance to the development of the cultural and creative industry in recent years, it has become a world trend with the integration of culture and businesses being a vital component in regional competition.
FAVOURABLE FOUNDATION AND CONDITIONS FOR DEVELOPING THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRY
In the process of implementing sustainable development in Macao’s economy, the development of the cultural and creative industry is believed to be the perfect solution to accelerate and enhance the diverse development of the structures of industries. Macao is a city of great cultural value and has been a major hub for eastern and western cultural exchanges for over 400 years. Macao’s Sino-Portuguese culture with its unique cultural history and east-west cultural exchanges has become a prominent feature in the development of Macao’s cultural and creative industry. In 2005, the historic centre of Macao was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being the 31st world heritage site in China, demonstrating that Macao’s culture has gained world recognition.
Macao’s cultural heritage is a precious resource in the city’s development. There are nearly 2.5 million visitors from around the world every year, providing a solid foundation for the development of the cultural and creative industry. The historic centre of Macao representing the city’s uniqueness, openness and diversity provides an unlimited source of contemplation, imagination and stimulation to artists and designers. The cultural industry focusing on creativity, designs and commercial concepts are incorporated into the tourism industry, which on one hand helps to assist local SME to upgrade, transform and explore diversified businesses, while on the other hand, can also stimulate the development of related industries and enhance the market competitiveness of local enterprises.
SUPPORT FROM DIFFERENT ASPECTS HELPS TO NURTURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRY
The national 12th Five-Year Plan states that Macao’s development in the cultural and creative industry will be expedited. In fact, the Macao SAR government has already attached great importance to its development. In the 2011 Policy Address, it was stated that the SAR government will put resources into the development of the cultural and creative industry in the implementation process of appropriate economic diversification. The government will support local cultural and creative work and study the preservation of cultural works with outstanding artistic contributions and local characteristics, so as to enrich the local cultural heritage. In addition, the SAR government also set up a Cultural Industry Committee in May 2010 with the objectives of collecting opinions and suggestions from the general public on the development of the local cultural industry, and to formulate policies, strategies and measures suitable for local community. The authorities have also promulgated the framework of Macao’s cultural industry policy which has five areas of focus: promotion, funding of the industry, training of personnel, administration and legal assistance, as well as research and study. The SAR government has also set up the Department for the Promotion of the Cultural and Creative Industries in Cultural Affairs Bureau, in 2011, to foster the development of the industry.
BLUEPRINT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRY – IDENTIFYING SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES
The Cultural Affairs Bureau advocated the blueprint for the development of the cultural and creative industry and the short, medium and long-term objectives in August 2010. The blueprint identifies eight directions for development in design, publication, film-making, fashion, music, comics and animation and so on, with the priority in visual arts and design. The five-year short-term objectives include the implementation of supporting policies and measures, assistance to SMEs, and fostering the development of local cultural and creative industry. The 10-year medium-term objectives include the establishment of hardware facilities through medium to long-term planning for the development of Hengqin new district as well as the reclamation of the new land area, in order to consolidate and expand the foundation of the cultural and creative SMEs, and provide a business environment through administration and a legal system. Long-term objectives aim to enhance basic cultural and creative education and ensure that students will receive cultural, artistic and creativityeducation since chilhood, so as to consolidate a foundation for sustainable development and enhance our competitiveness.
Currently, the St. Lazarus Parish in the old city of Macao is experimenting with becoming a major cultural and creative community. In order to be in line with project development, the authorities will put in place a number of measures to promote the industry.
It is worth mentioning that the cultural and creative industry was one of the major highlights of the 2010 Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). The Macao Creative Pavilion was well received with the active participation of various local organisations and enterprises in the industry and achieved solid results.
MACAO IDEAS – A PLATFORM FOR CULTURAL AND CREATIVE CO-OPERATION AND EXCHANGES
Macao Ideas is the first Macao products display centre showcasing Made in Macao, Macao Brands, Macao Designs products and sole distributorship of Portuguese-Speaking Countries products. The centre, opened on 9 May 2011, is located on the ground floor of Tourism Activities Centre. It has been set up by IPIM with the aim of providing a brand new showcasing platform to improve the international exposure of local commodities and branded products. The Macao Ideas showcases products with local characteristics including garments, products with cultural features and travel products. A business negotiation area has also been set up with onsite IPIM staff to provide assistance and product briefings, a consultation and business matching service to entrepreneurs and investors, and assist enterprises in product advertising and promotion. It is also hoped that it can help to foster the development of the local cultural and creative industry, provide support and assistance to the development of the industry and market exploration.
Macao Ideas
Website: http://macaoideas.ipim.gov.mo
Address: Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Ground floor of Tourism Activities Centre, Macau
Opening Hours:
• Monday to Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm – 6:00pm
The general public and all businesspeople are welcome.
Closed every Tuesday and public holidays.
Tel: 853 2870 0620
Fax: 853 2870 0621
E-mail: macaoideas@ipim.gov.mo.
