There is a paradox that Macau insists on ignoring. Routes to Hengqin are discussed, integration into the Greater Bay Area is projected as if the city were ready to compete on this expanded chessboard; but a basic question remains unanswered: what culture do we want to affirm? What identity do we want to preserve, transform and project? The debate on the creative and cultural industry, clearly exposed by Victor and Alexandre Marreiros in our edition (pages 10 to 12), shows that Macau has not yet done its homework.
There is no lack of talent. What is lacking is ecosystem; structure; vision. Local artists live in a space where almost everything depends on individual efforts; the creative impulse rarely finds ground to transform into an industry. As Alexandre says, in Macau the artist is isolated; there is a lack of strong schools, a functional market, galleries, museums that not only exhibit but build reputation; promote, internationalize. What is lacking is a system that allows creators – and not just those who create in their spare time. The problem isn’t solved with proclamations about “cultural industries,” but with concrete policies; focus; and, above all, criteria for success. Time will tell if the announced International Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone lives up to its promises.
Regional integration demands competitiveness, but also identity. It requires a city that knows what it brings to the table, that doesn’t participate merely as an administrative extension or economic appendage.
In official discourse, Macau is a platform, a meeting point, a unique space in Greater Bahia. However, it will only be so if it has substance. And cultural substance is impossible without continuity, investment; a true market that values art beyond symbolic consumption. The issue isn’t having a lot – or a little – of financial support; it’s lacking objectives, goals, measurable results. There’s a lack of market culture; and a real will to elevate creation to a larger stage.
This is where the debate about Hengqin proves incomplete. Regional integration demands competitiveness, but also identity. It requires a city that knows what it brings to the table, that doesn’t participate merely as an administrative extension or economic appendage. If Macau doesn’t define its own narrative, others will. A city that doesn’t care for its artists, that doesn’t professionalize its cultural sector, that doesn’t create conditions for creativity to flourish as an industry, will hardly have any arguments in a space where Shenzhen, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou operate with a different institutional strength.
Do we want plans for Hengqin? First, we need plans for Macau. It’s not enough to want to integrate; a solid foundation is needed; it’s not enough to talk about synergies, it’s necessary to build value before sharing it. Culture and creativity are not ornaments, they are strategic infrastructures in a world that competes with symbols, narratives, and reputation.
*Editor-in-Chief of PLATAFORMA
