• MGM’s “Talent Training in Cultural and Creative Design for the Maritime Silk Road” has been selected for funding by the National Art Fund.
• The project involved 30 participants from various fields who underwent intensive training for nearly 60 days.

Committed to promoting the development of art in China and Macau, MGM has been selected for the 2025 National Arts Fund-supported project with its “Talent Training in Cultural and Creative Design for the Maritime Silk Road” initiative.

MGM recently completed the initiative and announced that it will showcase the participants’ creative works in 2026 through a physical exhibition, fully demonstrating the innovative charm and heritage value of the Maritime Silk Road culture.

The National Art Fund, established by the state with the aim of promoting artistic creation and producing and promoting high-quality works, has long been regarded as one of the highest-level and most generously funded artistic creation projects in the field of national culture and art.

In the “Talent Training in Cultural and Creative Design for the Maritime Silk Road” project, 30 participants from across the country – working in fields such as art design, cultural research and the creative industries – underwent nearly 60 days of intensive training, visiting key nodes along the Maritime Silk Road such as Beijing, Quanzhou, Guangzhou and Hengqin, before arriving in Macau. Under the guidance of over 30 leading experts and mentors, they engaged in creative exchanges and practical explorations of Maritime Silk Road culture.

In-depth exploration of Silk Road culture
“Talent Training in Cultural and Creative Design for the Maritime Silk Road” was divided into theoretical study and field trips. The first phase of the course focuses on the theoretical study and innovative transformation of Silk Road culture, enabling participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical and cultural heritage of the Maritime Silk Road, fashion and creative design, as well as the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage techniques.

Participants then visited important cultural and historical institutions such as the Palace Museum, the National Museum of China, the Quanzhou Museum of Maritime History and Culture and the Guangdong Provincial Museum to appreciate the development of the country’s art and culture through actual visits.

“It deepened our appreciation for the unique aesthetic that emerges from the fusion of Eastern and Western influences in art and design,” said Sou Ka Ian, a participant and interior designer from Macau. “In addition, the training program broadened our perspectives and sparked creativity.

“This program illuminated the profound roots of traditional culture and the boundless possibilities of modern technology.”

Regarding her impressions after participating in the course, Sou added, “I’m excited to embrace new technologies to create even more compelling works that push the boundaries of artistic expression.”

National Art Fund is regarded as one of the biggest state-funded art creation projects.

Experiencing the collision of innovation and tradition in Macau
After visiting Beijing, Quanzhou, Guangzhou and Hengqin, the participants arrived at their final destination, Macau, where they conducted in-depth research and study on the historical connections between Macau and the Maritime Silk Road, including visits to the Macao Museum and the Macao Maritime Museum, systematically tracing Macau’s significant role as a maritime trade hub.

They also visited the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao to admire the gifts of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, further experiencing Macau’s cultural value in the process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

In addition, the participants exchanged ideas with several senior figures in Macau’s cultural and creative industries to learn about the latest trends in the local cultural and creative industries, including a visit to MGM Cotai to enjoy the resident production of “Macau 2049” and take in the biennial art extravaganza “Art Macao 2025” special exhibition cAI™️ Laboratory 2.0 – witnessing the cross-border integration of artificial intelligence and cultural arts.

The participants also visited the Poly MGM Museum, where they experienced firsthand how innovative technology can empower cultural heritage. As a multi-functional platform combining cultural exhibitions and academic training, the Poly MGM Museum is committed to cultivating composite talents with an international perspective, a deep cultural foundation and innovative capabilities, providing important support for this training program.

Cheng Nan, a participant and teacher at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in mainland China, said after participating in the course, “I hope to carry with me this centuries-old Eastern wisdom and, through our art, let the world experience the elegance of the Maritime Silk Road.

“This learning journey made me realize that I am like a seed – small on its own, but when planted in rich cultural soil and weathered through the seasons, gaining infinite growth potential. ”

“Supported by our nation, we will continue to leverage Macau as a bridge between cultures.” – Pansy Ho

Maritime Silk Road culture will continue to thrive, resonate globally
After nearly 60 days of study and research, the participants achieved significant artistic accomplishments. MGM also held a closing ceremony for the intensive training program on 6 August.

The event was attended by several prominent government officials and cultural figures, including Bai Bing, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Wu Zhiliang, President of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau; Cheong Kin Hong, President of the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund; Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited; as well as representatives from Macau’s cultural, academic and creative sectors.

As the representative of the host organization, Ms Ho emphasized in her speech that the participants, driven by their passion for Chinese culture, demonstrated exceptional creative potential during their exploration of maritime silk road culture.

“Supported by our nation, we will continue to leverage Macau as a bridge between cultures, carrying forward our mission to preserve and inject new impetus into our rich cultural heritage,” she said. “The Maritime Silk Road culture will continue to thrive, resonate globally and forge new cultural connections.”

Next year’s exhibition showcases student work
“Talent Training in Cultural and Creative Design for the Maritime Silk Road” promotes historical research and creative transformation along the Maritime Silk Road and cultivates professionals in related fields.

MGM noted that the works of the 30 participants will be presented in early 2026 through exhibitions, digital media and diverse artistic forms, injecting new vitality into the inheritance and innovation of Maritime Silk Road culture.