The bank of Nam Van Lake has always been seen as an area of tranquility. Apart from the annual dragon boat races and Caritas bazaar, the area was usually scarcely populated, but for joggers or residents walking their dogs. While there was a time when the area was developing into a nightlife spot, the plan did not eventuate and the place quieted back down quickly.
It was only in recent years that the plaza was somewhat energized by expatriates who would gather there at night to socialize. During the daytime, however, the quietness of the place was still in stark contrast to the always-crowded commercial area of Senado Square, just a five-minute walk away.
But in the late afternoon on June 3, people visiting Nam Van Lake waterfront leisure area were delighted to find it filled with creative shops, pedal boats, performances and a café, after the inauguration of the “Anim’Arte Nam Van”.
Four departments under the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macau, namely the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the Sports Bureau, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Institute for Tourism Studies, collaborated on this project that aims to transform the lakeside area into “a distinctive leisure plaza,” according to the IC.
The “Anim’Arte Nam Van” promotional materials highlight four major areas: creativity, dining, leisure and performance.
In terms of creativity, the leisure area has shops with selected cultural and creative products made by local entities. There are also craft markets at weekends, some of which allow customers to participate in the crafting process, which is especially popular among families. The IC is also collaborating with charity groups to set up shops to sell their handmade products.
One of the cultural activity highlights at Anim’Arte is the Book Crossing inside Shop 3. Book Crossing originated in Europe and aims to encourage people to read and share books. Books are left in public places (this time in Anim’Arte) for people to take away and read. When finished the reader can include a card in the book with their thoughts about it and return it to Anim’Arte or leave it in another public area. People are also welcome to bring books they want to share.
When it comes to leisure activity, the most popular one is, without a doubt, the pedal boats. Managed by the Sports Bureau, the recreational pedal boats are suitable for all, with swan-shaped double-seated pedal and four-seater options.
Moreover, IFT has opened an IFT café in Anim-Arte that seeks to combine the elements of art and food. Its indoor and outdoor area has a total capacity of up to 80 people, offering light western-style foods such as sandwiches, cakes and beverages.
The tabletops in the indoor area are covered with paintings by local artist Pakeong, the café is currently hosting Pakeong’s solo exhibition “TO Feel”. It includes artworks from different periods with different media and materials and the café will exhibit work by other local artists in the future.
To date reception of the project has generally been positive. Residents who talked to CLOSER all praised the pedal boats, but pointed out that more promotion is needed. Some of them also mentioned the lack of water vending machines, and would like authorities to add more play facilities for children.
The Anim’Arte Nam Van project cost around MOP4 million. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam told media that the government is considering expanding the project by increasing the number of pedal boats and widening their area. He also mentioned adding a light show to the project.
Mr. Tam also says the government will carry out a similar project at the area near Taipa Houses-Museum, “revitalizing” the area. He estimated that the Taipa project will be inaugurated at the end of this year, or early next year.
