Sometimes, a good idea or a great product is just not enough. One needs to find a proper channel through which to promote it around the world. It was with this in mind that the Cultural Affairs Bureau officially inaugurated the Macao Creative Pavilion in March.

Situated at Casa Amarela, in front of the Ruins of Saint Paul, in one of Macau’s busiest tourist areas, the pavilion aims to serve not only as a showcase for products designed and made by Macau creative talent, but also as a place to sell them.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau says the establishment of this pavilion was the next logical step to promote “Made in Macau” products. Last year the bureau sponsored the participation of several designers at fairs in Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hangzhou and Beijing. Also last year, and for the first time, the creative industries were given a special exhibition area at the Macau International Trade and Investment Fair.

The goal of the pavilion is to facilitate and nurture the growth of creative talent to further the development of cultural and creative industries, the bureau says. Also, the pavilion is seen as a way to promote Macau brands among residents and visitors and to build an environment conducive to the growth of business in this field.

A total of 17 entities are represented at the Macao Creative Pavilion. Visitors can check out products from the Cultural Institute collection, from long-established publishing powerhouse Macau Daily News and from several emerging designers and companies.

Macau Banner Bag is one such company. Established in 2005, it designs and develops trendy products made of recycled PVC. The products include bags, fashion items and stationery.

Also represented in the pavilion is Meow Space, which makes items with a feline theme, including stationery. The company, which already has a shop, donates part of its profits to animal protection.

Soda Panda goods from Macau Creations are among the most popular items at the pavilion. Some Soda Panda products were sold out on the opening day, with the city still in the grip of a panda craze due to the arrival of Hoi Hoi and Sam Sam, the two pandas offered to Macau by the central government.

Lines Lab, one of the most established fashion and design houses, also has some of its goods on display at the pavilion. The brand, headed by Clara Brito and Manuel Correia da Silva, produces fashion items and accessories, distinguished by their clean lines and geometrical elements, with an East-meets-West flavour.

Working to diversify

The Macao Creative Pavilion is the latest of several ventures by the Cultural Affairs Bureau to promote the creative industries. The promotion of such industries is part of the government’s effort to diversify the economy.

In March last year, the bureau established a special department for creative industries, which has already got down to work. It is now collecting information for a database of everything relevant to city’s cultural and creative industries.

The purpose of the database is to further the understanding of such industries and to enhance communication between the government and the various players. It is also expected that the information will contribute to drafting measures to support and promote the business.

The government is also considering setting up a special fund to support artistic creation and promote exchanges between artists here and abroad.

Macao Creative Pavilion

When: Open daily until June 5, from 9am to 8pm

Where: Casa Amarela, Largo da Companhia de Jesus, in front of the Ruins of Saint Paul

Website: www.icm.gov.mo