Adhering to the business philosophy of growing with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Sands China has implemented a series of revitalization projects under the direction of "Reshape. Rejuvenate. Reimagine." We hope to enrich the content and function of these historic districts while maintaining their precious cultural context and features within the community, thereby mobilizing and gathering different stakeholders to take part in this impactful mission of achieving local growth. In alignment with the 'culture+' and 'tourism+' models led by the SAR government, we aim to utilize the special advantages of Macao's cultural environment to deepen the integrated development of arts, culture and tourism, and further leverage the multicultural charm of Macao.
Sands China will develop a unique cultural tourism experience by integrating art and technology at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, and establish it as a cultural creative park that integrates ecology, art and culture, fashion, and technology.
Sands China has been strengthening the connection between Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses by adding festive installations, sketching and family friendly activities suited to the 100-year landscape and natural beauty of the two locations during holidays to create synergy with Taipa Village and enhance the cultural and economic vitality of the community.
A wide range of outdoor cultural and performing arts programmes with different themes will continue to be held at Macao Cultural Center Square, creating a playground for outdoor cultural exchange activities and performing arts programmes.
We are mobilizing community forces to attract local enterprises to start businesses on Rua das Estalagens and stimulate the cultural tourism economy through an entrepreneurship recruitment programme and a street beautification campaign.
After the renovation of the building complex Pátio da Eterna Felicidade is complete, we plan to invite local artists to settle in to create a new hub for contemporary artists for cultural exchange. The "New Pátio da Eterna Felicidade" will integrate the long-established artistic atmosphere of antiques and art in the area and extend the foundation of cultural tourism in the old district.
“Colorful Spark” Pop-up Cultural Creative Playground
2024.09.27 – 2025.01.02
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland and Macao Being Honored as a Culture City of East Asia 2025, Sands China is featuring the "Colorful Spark" Pop-up Cultural Creative Playground from September 2024 to January 2025. Resplendent sparks-shaped art installations, educational and entertaining parent-child workshops, and stamp collecting mini games offer fun and excitement for residents and visitors. During the National Day holiday from Oct 1-7, a temporary pedestrian zone in Taipa village will be in place at designated times. Sands China will specially present a dragon and lion dance parade at 4pm October 1-2 and 2pm October 3 to spread joy in the community. This joyful celebration is also a tribute to Macao's profound cultural heritage. With a century of history, Iec Long Firecracker Factory witnessed the rise and fall of Macao's firecracker industry, which played an important role in the economic development of Macao. For "Colorful Spark," we have meticulously infused the element of firecrackers and firecracker wrappers into gigantic and vibrant art installations, aiming to rekindle heart-warming memories of traditional festivals and the scenery of old Macao, while introducing the younger generation to the culture of firecrackers. Workshop enrollment link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY9p2nbE0Z7Y8stK2KDswOvJRGLFHhgVdI9iGwRFM0rSkZrQ/viewform
First Macao International Children's Arts Festival
Under the patronage of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and co-organized by Sands China, the First Macao International Children's Arts Festival was held from July to August 2024. As a finale of the festival, Sands China co-presented the “MICAF Fun Day Arts Carnival” over the last two weekends of August at Macao Cultural Center Plaza. It featured large-scale outdoor installations, food and cultural creative stalls, workshops and game areas, a first-of-its-kind water fun and foam party in Macao and more to give families chances to enjoy quality time together. In addition, Sands China specially invited the Macau Youth Symphonic Band to deliver amazing performances that enraptured the audience. The six-day arts carnival successfully attracted a remarkable number of 63,000 visits.
Grand Prix themed installations and activities
2023.11.11 - 23
Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory
In celebration of the 70th Macau Grand Prix, Sands China supported the world-famous annual sporting event with a special community outing and with a series of Grand Prix themed workshops, photo booth and instant photo service at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory to promote the integrated development of sports, culture and tourism.
Sands China Performing Arts Outreach Programme – Winter Showcase
2023.12.16 & 30
Macao Cultural Center Square
Sands China joined hands with the Macau Band Directors Association for Winter Showcase, which presented spectacular outdoor performances at Macao Cultural Centre Square on 16 and 30 December, as part of Sands China's revitalization efforts.
It was also an opportunity to enhance artistic and cultural exchange between a group of 230 gifted musicians – from Japan's Hachioji High School Wind Orchestra and the Macau Youth Symphonic Band – to learn from each other. The three shows attracted a combined audience of more than 3,200.
Spring Festival in Full Bloom
2024.02.01 – 2024.03.14
Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses
In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, Sands China presented a series of celebratory activities with the theme of "Spring Festival in Full Bloom" at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses, featuring free attractions such as an interactive A.I. photobooth, family workshops, Chinese New Year-themed and romantic installations, live music and more – presenting a revitalized area with diverse features for residents and tourists to visit during Spring Festival and enjoy a new, fun-to-explore landmark.
Summer Fiesta
2024.04.08 – 2024.05.31
Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses
In April and May, Sands China undertook the transformation of the historic firecracker factory into the delightful Iec Long Zoo, showcasing colourful and whimsical animal sculptures and the beauty of nature to create a joyful atmosphere, while the Taipa Houses continued to embrace love and offered a romantic and leisurely sanctuary for the public with Love at Taipa Houses. In addition, Sands China organized complimentary family activities, including face painting, balloon artistry and an instant photo service, for both local residents and visitors, demonstrating the company's commitment to promoting Macao as a renowned and desirable destination for both living and tourism.
Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens
Since 2024.04.08 onwards
In order to offer full support in promoting the Macao SAR government’s revitalisation plan, Sands China has launched an Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens since 8th April, 2024 to call for innovative business proposals from local entrepreneurs interested in starting businesses on Rua das Estalagens. Through providing support and operational subsidies, this programme aims at ultimately reviving the economy in the neighbourhood and assisting in revitalizing the historic street and unleashing its past vibrancy. After rounds of rigorous evaluations, seven distinctive business plans were then selected to receive subsidies from Sands China.