Guests appreciating the artwork of the exhibition
The Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) has always been committed to promoting the cultural industry in Macao. Apart from constantly providing a variety of cultural and creative courses, IFT has also pursued active cooperation with artists in recent years, organising exhibitions to provide a platform for local artists to demonstrate their artworks and in turn to integrate arts into the daily life of local residents. IFT Café at “Anim’Arte NAM VAN”, is one of the platforms to showcase local arts and provides citizens and tourists with a relaxing dining experience with cultural and art elements. IFT has the honour to invite teachers and students from the School of Arts in Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) to hold “Believe in Art” exhibition at IFT Café from 12 October to 5 December, showcasing their creative artworks. This exhibition has been made possible with MPI’s support and involvement. The theme of this exhibition is “Believe in Art”, in which the term “Believe” is interpreted in two ways: Art creation itself reflects the belief, concept and ideology of the artists. It is an integration of idea incubation and use of materials which incorporates with rationality and sensibility. On the other hand, this exhibition showcases the artworks of both teachers and students from MPI’s School of Arts, featuring the fruitful achievement and devotion to local art development of the Institute. The newly established IFT Café not only serves the Institute’s appetising food; but also provides training to IFT students. The outlet additionally operates as a venue to promote culture, and will regularly host exhibitions featuring local artworks. In addition to IFT Café, “Anim’Arte NAM VAN” has many other elements in creativity, leisure and performances for citizens and tourists to experience. The revitalised waterfront includes recreational facilities, shops selling cultural and creative products, a book market, and a weekend craft market. Additionally, the area has regular outdoor performances. At the lake, pedal boats are also available for visitors to ride. Established in 1995, the Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao (IFT) offers the most extensive selection of tourism and hospitality related bachelor degree programmes in Macao, and about twenty thousand participants attend its vocational and professional training courses annually. IFT collaborates with 97 universities and tourism organisations around the world, and builds strong links with 500 leading tourism and hospitality corporations to offer internship opportunities to its students. Being the first institution accredited by the UNWTO.TedQual Certification System for tourism education, IFT has now 8 bachelor degree programmes with the Certification. Currently, the Institute has the most number of bachelor degree programmes certified under the System of any tertiary education establishment worldwide. IFT has received the Medal of Merit in Tourism from the Macao SAR Government, and won twice the Gold Award in ‘Education and Training’ from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
