Macau Business | August 2023 | Special Report | Creative Industries
A Transformative Moment
On August 28, 2003, Creative Macau was established under the initiative of the Institute of European Studies of Macau, bringing the role of creative industries in the process of economic diversification to the city’s agenda.
By late 2010, the contribution of cultural and creative industries started to take a more central stage in the public discourse, but its role is yet to be properly gauged and quantified.
The Cultural Bureau, for example, speaks of the “promotional effect that the policies and measures of the Macau SAR Government have had on cultural industries,” and states that the revenue generated “clearly reflects the economic contribution of these industries.”
However, Ho Iat Seng, in his first Policy Address, recalls that “the contribution of nascent industries to the overall economy is still relatively low.”
One thing is certain, however: the creation of Creative Macau has transformed the industry, stirred up universities, and given opportunities to Macau’s artists and consumers.
In this special report, we take stock of what has been achieved over the past two decades, without neglecting to address issues such as government subsidies or the need to nurture start-ups and generate business.
P.S. – Lúcia Lemos has been at the helm of Creative Macau for 20 years. Macau should thank her. We, at Macau Business, thank her for the collaboration for this special report.
