“Anim’Arte Nam Van” livens up the community
Jointly developed by four entities under the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government in synergy, a new landmark for leisure, culture and creativity known as “Anim’Arte Nam Van” is officially open to the public starting today (3 June). The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Dr. Alexis Tam, officiated the launch ceremony. A joint project presented by Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Sports Bureau (ID), Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT), “Anim’Arte Nam Van” is open to the public daily starting today (3 June). The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Dr. Alexis Tam, Director of Department of Culture and Education of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Xu Ting, Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin, President of IC, Ung Vai Meng, President of Sports Bureau, Pun Weng Kun, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and President of IFT, Fanny Vong, officiated the launch ceremony. Other guests include President of Administrative Committee of Cultural Industries Fund, Leong Heng Teng, Vice President of IC, Chan Peng Fai, Vice Presidents of ID, Lau Cho Un and Lam Lin Kio, and MGTO Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong, etc. Brand new landmark for leisure, culture and creativity During his speech, Secretary Tam expressed that “Anim’Arte Nam Van” has revitalized the waterfront area of Nam Van Lake and combined a variety of elements ranging from water recreational facility, dining, cultural and creative shops, weekend craft market, exhibition, performances to workshops and more. It not only breathes a new dynamic into the neighborhood but also enables residents and visitors to unwind, relax and experience the beauty of Macao. Progress toward diversity He remarked that in order to transform Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, the tourism industry must make steady progress toward diversification. The Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture has always emphasized the importance of using resources effectively to bring out a greater synergistic effect; while through policy support and cross-sector collaboration, striving to facilitate complementary, reciprocal and closer connections between different fields including cultural exhibitions and performances, cultural and creative industries, sports events and leisure tourism. As an innovative project, “Anim’Arte Nam Van” is a product of interdepartmental cooperation. He hopes that this project can make a great start toward steady developments and gain in popularity among residents and visitors. Cultural and creative products on display and sale “Anim’Arte Nam Van” is equipped with cultural and creative shops, arts pavilion, indoor craft market and book market, handcraft workshops and craft market on weekends as well as graffiti display area and more. Cultural and creative products imbued with Macao’s unique character are on display and sale, which not only is a boon to local cultural and creative industries but also makes a convenient stop-off for residents and visitors to discover local gems. Co-hosted by IC and Macau Artist Society, “Run to Nam Van Lake: Exhibition of the Works by the Young Members of the Macau Artist Society” is also officially inaugurated at “Anim’Arte Nam Van” to showcase a collection of artwork pieces depicting the scenery of Nam Van Lake by 19 young local painters. Tranquil boat ride on the lake The beautiful scenery of Nam Van Lake is refreshing. Pedal boats are available at “Anim’Arte Nam Van” for residents and visitors to enjoy a relaxing ride on the lake. Free activities add great fun Special performances and activities that are free of charge will enliven the leisure hub on weekends including a parade in classic costumes, the puppet show “Eléctrico", Portuguese Fado and Jazz music, face painting, stilt performance, clown act and balloon twisting, promising great fun and delight for residents and visitors, young and old. A taste of slow living Starting on 4 June until early 2017, IFT Café will come into temporary operation as a training ground for students. The leisure café will serve a menu of fine-quality snacks and drinks in European style. Visitors can relish the café delights with a taste of slow living while enjoying the lake scenery. To make great use of the available space in accord with the whole district development, the SAR Government plans to call for public tenders this year to invite merchants to open their business at “Anim’Arte Nam Van”, introducing more cultural and creative shops into the new landmark and offering catering service that serves a greater variety of culinary delights, in order to keep increasing the appeal of “Anim’Arte Nam Van”.
