With the continuous development of Macao’s cultural and creative industries, there is a growing demand in society for talents who possess an artistic vision, cultural literacy, and practical capabilities. Embracing its core philosophy of "co-existence of education and culture, integration of campus and society", the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) continues to promote the synergistic development of art education and local cultural and creative industries. In recent years, the Institute of Executive and Professional Development (IEPD) of UTM has progressively established a diversified framework for Art and Creative Studies. By offering flexible courses closely aligned with industry practices, the IEPD provides a professional growth platform for working individuals and continuing education students from various backgrounds. Concurrently, it actively collaborates with local artists, cultural workers, and creators to bring art into the campus and the daily lives of citizens through lectures, exhibitions, and artistic exchanges. These initiatives further expand channels for public cultural participation and continuously enrich the cultural heritage of Macao.
Dr. Kelvin Leong Ka Hou, Director of Art and Creative Studies, stated that compared to traditional art programs in higher education, community-oriented art education places a stronger emphasis on practical application and industry connections. As most students already possess a certain level of social maturity and professional experience, the courses focus not only on artistic theory but also heavily on expert experience sharing, case studies, and hands-on practice, ensuring that students can truly apply what they have learned to their work and creative pursuits.
Taking courses such as "Curatorial Planning and Practice" and "Curation and Management of Art Festival" as examples, students not only study curatorial and art administration theories but are also required to actively participate in the conceptualization, production, and execution of exhibitions and art festivals, moving directly from the classroom to real-world art scenes. To deepen students' understanding of the practical operations within the cultural industries, the IEPD regularly organises backstage visits to major performance venues alongside a series of lectures on art administration. Annually, three to four specialised sharing sessions are held, inviting prominent figures and industry representatives from the cultural and artistic sectors to exchange ideas on campus. Past guests include Dr. Ung Vai Meng, former President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao; Mr. Louis Yu Kwok-lit, former Executive Director for Performing Arts of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; Mr. Hong Heng Fai, director of the film Kissing the Ground You Walked On; and Mr. Nakamura, founder of "Plastic Guys". These exchanges offer students a firsthand look at the emerging trends and practical dynamics of the cultural and artistic industries.
Additionally, the IEPD hosts three to four art exhibitions annually, focusing primarily on visual artworks. With some of these exhibitions open to the general public, the artworks extend beyond the campus into the community, further fostering cultural exchange and social interaction, thereby deepening the connection between the campus and society.
Kelvin noted that since their inception, the Art and Creative Studies have trained a cumulative total of more than 180 students. These courses not only provide systematic learning opportunities for individuals aspiring to career paths in the cultural and artistic sectors but also assist numerous working professionals in upgrading their expertise, broadening their cultural horizons, and even gradually defining their career development paths.
KC Ao Ieong Iat Wa, who has been established in Macao’s music, event planning, and digital marketing sectors for many years, is precisely one of the students who have utilized the courses to further elevate their capabilities in art administration. With years of experience both on stage and behind the scenes, he sought to integrate systematic learning to perfect his expertise in art management and project execution. During his study of "Art Administration II: Curation and Management of Art Festival", he and his team members conceptualized a large-scale music festival proposal from scratch. Under the instructor's guidance and by factoring in the specific conditions of Macao’s major outdoor venues, they developed a comprehensive plan that bridged the gap between their classroom concepts and real-world cultural scenes.
KC stated that the courses not only deepened his understanding of art history but also helped him streamline daily administrative workflows and cross-departmental communication, gradually building a more systematic working methodology. He further transformed what he learned in class into a teamwork framework to enhance project execution and collaborative efficiency, translating theoretical knowledge into practical reality.
Freelancer Kathy Wong Ka Wan, on the other hand, rediscovered her career direction through the courses. As early as 2016, she had already developed an interest in art administration, but was unable to enroll due to her lack of a relevant background at the time. Years later, she finally returned to the classroom, starting with "Introduction to Art and Management" and progressively completing courses such as "Curation and Management of Art Festival" and "Studies on Chinese and Western Art."
Kathy expressed that interacting and exchanging ideas with fellow students from diverse fields in the classroom brought her immense benefits. Through the instructors' case studies and theoretical explanations, she not only gained a deeper understanding of culture and art but also initiated post-class collaborations with her peers, effectively expanding her professional opportunities and professional network. Following her studies, she gradually solidified her career direction within the cultural and artistic sectors. Currently, she is actively involved in film and theater production and administration. She has contributed to major cultural projects, including the Busan International Film Festival, the Golden Horse Film Festival, and the Macao City Fringe Festival, while also coordinating the premiere of the Macao film Girlfriends. Kathy believes that the transformation brought about by learning does not happen overnight; rather, it is a continuous journey of expanding one's personal cognition and cultural horizons, driving oneself to constantly explore and pursue further education.
Maisie Lao Kin Ngan, who works for a professional symphony orchestra and oversees marketing and public relations, further deepened her reflections on art and culture through the courses. For many years, she has been dedicated to transforming the artistic language of the stage into stories that resonate deeply with audiences; meanwhile, the Art and Creative Studies at UTM have prompted her to rethink the very essence and value of art.
In the courses "Introduction to Art and Management" and "Studies on Chinese and Western Art," Maisie not only re-examined the relationship among art, society, and culture but also transitioned, for the first time, from an "aesthetic appreciator" to a "creator," engaging in hands-on artistic creation to experience firsthand how artists convey emotions and messages through their work. Additionally, the industry sharing sessions and the backstage exploration of the MGM residency show "2049" arranged by the IEPD gave her a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes operations of large-scale performances as well as art administration. Maisie stated that after completing these courses, she began proactively engaging with historical and contemporary art, gaining a fresh understanding of the historical context behind cultural works. Furthermore, her passion and reverence for live art will continue to guide her forward on her path in art administration.
Kelvin pointed out that Macao’s cultural and artistic sectors do not lack exceptional creators; what is truly scarce are management talents who possess both artistic literacy and market vision. At the same time, there is a constant need to guide local audiences, encouraging more citizens to embrace art and support local diverse creations. Looking ahead, the IEPD of UTM will continue to offer a diverse range of Art and Creative Studies to foster a deep connection between the campus and society. By empowering students from various backgrounds to expand their horizons and elevate their professional capabilities through art education, the IEPD aims to integrate art more deeply into urban life, continuously injecting fresh vitality into the development of Macao’s cultural and creative industries.