The 2nd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival (MICAF) officially launched on Friday, lighting up the city with over a thousand family-friendly cultural activities under the theme of creativity, joy, and cross-cultural exchange, according to a Friday statement by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC).
Organised by the bureau in conjunction with integrated resort operators Sands China and MGM, the festival showcases world-class performances and interactive art installations.
According to the statement, the festival runs from this month until the end of August, offering over a thousand sessions of performances, exhibitions, workshops, and interactive family activities.
During Friday’s opening ceremony, IC Vice-President Cheang Kai Meng pointed out in a speech on behalf of the president, according to the statement, that Macau has been designated “Culture City of East Asia” this year and, therefore, Asian elements are incorporated in this edition of the festival, aiming to broaden children’s horizons through a diverse array of performances and activities. This enables families to experience the diversity of cultures and learn the values of respect and inclusiveness, the spirit of acceptance and sharing, laying the foundation for a continuously harmonious society in the future, she said in the statement.
Friday’s inauguration ceremony also included performances by local and international groups, such as the Macao Conservatory and South Korea’s Brush Theatre.
One of the highlights of the festival is an exhibition titled “The Magic of Lines: Serge Bloch’s Wonderland of Picture Books” by French illustrator Serge Bloch, held at the Navy Yard No. 1 and No. 2 in Barra district until September 14, and the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM) until October 7. Another highlight are the outdoor installations and the “Little MICAF’s Paradise” parties at Macau Cultural Centre Plaza, the statement said.
Tickets for the festival are on sale through Enjoy Macao Ticketing via ticketing.enjoymacao.mo, while more information is available on www.icm.gov.mo/micaf
This handout photo provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) on Friday shows officiating guests of the 2nd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival (MICAF) posing during its inauguration at Macau Cultural Centre Plaza on Friday.
