The Macau Chinese Culture Art Association is calling on all local primary and secondary pupils to create Chinese calligraphy or paintings to express their feelings about the COVID-19 pandemic, thus spreading positive energy among the community.

The association said in a statement yesterday that the activity sponsored by gaming operator SJM is themed “Love in the Time of Coronavirus” with the aim of contributing to the concerted efforts of civil society in fighting the contagious disease while promoting Chinese culture and creativity in the arts amongst the young generation.

The statement said that in order to comply with the government’s measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, participants are to submit their artwork by email to acacm2020@gmail.com with “Calling Macau Students to Fight Virus with Art” as the subject of the email. Each participant can only submit one piece of calligraphy and one painting, and the deadline for submission is May 8.

According to the statement, the association will present every participating pupil with a certificate, and arrange publication of as many entries as possible in newspapers as a sign of support and encouragement for the pupils, apart from a cash credit for book purchases and merit prizes. Results will be announced in June, and all prize-winning entries will be put on display in an exhibition for public viewing at Kam Pek Community Centre.

Quoting the association’s chairman Ambrose So Shu Fai, the statement said that the activity provides a platform for pupils to express their feelings of concern for the epidemic through calligraphy and painting, releasing positive energy to the community.

“We hope that young people will stay strong at this critical time and demonstrate perseverance to overcome the challenges,” So said.

So, who chairs SJM’s board of directors, said that through the activity, pupils could convey messages of love and blessing to the community by means of their artwork, testifying to the concerted efforts of young people in combating the virus.

For more details, please call 2871 3301 or 6239 1043.