The plaza in front of A-Ma Temple is always crowded with tourists and traffic during the daytime. But all the craziness soon dies down after you walk beyond the Maritime Museum. On Rua de São Tiago de Barra, the tranquil atmosphere of the old Macau is still preserved, and enjoying this peacefulness alongside local residences are several workshops that used to belong to the government docks (originally named Carlos I Dock, built in 1890) that stood idle for years.
In 2013, the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) revealed its plans to convert two of the historical buildings, painted bright yellow, into exhibition space for contemporary arts. One of them, originally the mechanical room of the dock, hosted the opening of its first art exhibition on the last working day of 2016, and has officially adopted the name ‘Navy Yard No. 1’.
Due to its previous usage, Navy Yard 1 has a very high ceiling, making it an excellent, spacious venue for exhibitions. During the revamp, the IC preserved some characteristics that reveal the history of the building. For example, there are several glass panels on the floor that allow visitors to see the rocks and iron shackles from the past. There is even a poster of Buddha on a metal pillar that was left behind by the dock workers.
In March last year, the IC organized a media event to introduce the history of Navy Yard No. 1. IC President Ung Vai Meng stated that since the Public Transport Interchange will be constructed in the neighbourhood in the future, which will significantly improve the accessibility of the area, the Bureau decided to design Navy Yard No. 1 as a centre for contemporary art and cultural and creative industries. Apart from utilizing and revitalizing the idle space, the department also hopes to strengthen the cultural atmosphere of the Barra district and promote local arts and creative industries there.
Alongside shows and exhibitions, the IC is planning to conduct artistic promotions and education sessions at the venue, as well as setting up book store and gift store.
The first exhibition held at Navy Yard 1 is entitled Sailing for Dreams, and presents over 40 works by the late local artist Kouk Woon. Born in Guangdong in 1940 and having migrated to Macau in the 1980s, Kuok Woon dedicated his life to promoting the development of visual arts in the territory. The works in this exhibition were created between the 1980s and late 1990s, which was a significant period for Kuok’s artistic creativity.
He was particulary known for daring to innovate and produce works by gathering materials with local characteristics throughout Macau, revealing his perception and reflections on different cultural crossroads.
Sailing for Dreams
Until April 23, 2017
at the Navy Yard No.1.
Open daily from 10am to 7pm
Closed on Mondays
Free admission.
