[November 17, 2018, Macau] As the pioneer in bringing arts and culture to the local community, MGM is committed to strengthening Macau’s position as a multicultural city. To cultivating the appreciation of Chinese traditional culture and arts in Macau, as well as promote the cultural and creative industries in the Greater Bay Area, MGM organized an art symposium on intangible cultural heritage at Asia’s first dynamic theater – MGM Theater at COTAI today. Four experts across various arts and cultural disciplines came together to spark in-depth discussion around the topics of how to live Chinese heritage with modern creativity and innovation and pass it on to next generations. The symposium attracted over 500 participants from local and regional art and culture communities.

The Guests of Honor included: Ms. Mok Ian Ian, Representative of Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR as well as the Director of Cultural Affairs Bureau; Mr. Wan Sucheng, Director-General of Department of Culture and Education of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Ines Chan, Head of Licensing and Inspection Department of Macao Government Tourism Office; Ms. Laney Ng, Senior Manager of Creative Fashion & Image Department of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre; and Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited.

The event was moderated by Ms. Miriam Sun, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art. Four keynote speakers included: Mr. Yu Zheng, Founder of Huan Yu Entertainment, Executive Producer and Art Director of the drama “Story of Yanxi Palace”;
Ms. Bi Hong, collector and expert in Qing dynasty culture and costumes; Mr. Zhang Bin, representative of Kunqu opera culture; and Ms. Emily Chan, Macau local young director. The speakers shared their insights on the innovative approach to preserving cultural heritage through Kunqu opera, Qing dynasty costumes, and the application and integration of intangible cultural elements in different aspects including Macau-made films. The symposium also analyzed and explored the historical symbolism behind the popular scenes and costumes of Asia’s15-billion-view drama series, “Story of Yanxi Palace”.

Cultural artisanship such as Chinese traditional embroidery, Kunqu opera and Ronghua (crafted velvet flowers) has been widely depicted in the “Story of Yanxi Palace”. Mr. Yu Zheng inspired the audience by sharing his ideas of how to connect the storyline, characters and intangible cultural heritage of the drama, highlighting the delicate artistry of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. In addition to introducing the features of Kunqu opera, Mr. Zhang Bin dressed up in Kunqu opera costume and performed the classic scene of “Drunken Concubine” in order to deepen the audience’s knowledge. Ms. Bi Hong explained the making and specific sewing techniques of Qing dynasty costumes, while Ms. Emily Chan shared her thoughts of how to promote Macau’s cultural heritage in her future film productions.

The symposium was followed by a curated tour by MGM-trained young art docents, which allowed guests of honor to explore the beauty of Chinese embroidery through 28 imperial carpets of MGM COTAI Art Collection. The tour continued with an exhibition of the exquisitely crafted costumes from the “Story of Yanxi Palace” which are on display for the first time ever in Macau. The Chinese couture includes costumes worn by the Emperor Qianlong, Consort Ling, Empress Fucha Rongyin and Consort Xian, as well as a selection of Kunqu opera costumes.

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About MGM

MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in the Greater China region. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions/subconcessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and MGM COTAI, a contemporary luxury integrated resort in Cotai, which opened in early 2018 and more than doubles our presence in Macau. 

MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. MGM MACAU’s world class facilities include the MGM Art Space, dedicating over 5,000 square feet to display authentic works of art, conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.

MGM COTAI is the latest addition to the MGM portfolio in China. Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, it offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings and food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience. MGM COTAI also offers Asia’s first dynamic theater and a spectacle to wow every guest who steps foot in the resort. MGM COTAI is developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the largest property and the first mega-size complex project in Macau to achieve the China Green Building Design Label Three-Star Certification.

MGM China Holdings Limited is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. 

For media enquiries, please contact:    

Jessie Kuan

Assistant Director of Public Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3412

Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo

Karen Lam

Public Relations Manager

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3421

Email: karenlam@mgm.mo