Bringing more tourists into Macau isn’t just about giving them more gambling options; it’s increasingly important to offer them a variety of entertainment options. Seemingly as a part of that effort, six Macau casino operators have pledged a combined MOP18 million ($2.2 million) to the “Art Macao 2019” initiative, reports GGRAsia.
The six operators, Melco, Galaxy Entertainment, MGM China, Sands China, SJM Holdings and Wynn Macau, will each put MOP3 million ($370,000) towards the cause. Their combined efforts surpass the MOP16.6 million ($2.05 million) that Macau will pay towards the initiative.
The casino’s contribution was revealed by Alexias Tam Chon Weng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, at a May 28 ceremony. They casinos will also each host an exhibit.
The first offering, hosted by Galaxy Entertainment, is the “Grace Kelly: From Hollywood to Monaco – Artists’ Tributes,” which opened on May 16 and will run until August 28.
On June 6, Wynn Macau will open a two-location exhibit at the Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace. That show will be the “Wynn – Garden of Earthly Delights,” and will run until October 6. Also on June 6, Melco will launch the “Unexpected Encounters” exhibit at City of Dreams Macau, which will be available until October 31.
June 7 will see the opening of MGM Cotai’s “Hua Yan” showcase, displaying artwork by artists Wen Ma and Yang Yongliang, which will run until October 31.
The next day, on June 8, Sands China joins the initiative with the “All That’s Gold Does Glitter – An Exhibition of Glamorous Ceramics” showcase of ceramic art pieces at four of their venues. That display will be available until October 9.
Finally, SJM will offer seven exhibits with the theme of “Art・Appreciation・Legacy.” That presentation will be available until October 31.
The effort helps build on the strategy of diversifying Macau’s entertainment options, which the administrative region increasingly wants to do so it isn’t so dependent on casino tourism. If tourists have more options when they visit, the economy will be less reliant on casino revenue to remain sustainable. It just makes sense that the casinos would want to get in on that plan rather than get shut out.
