(Macao, April 13, 2012) – On April 12, world-renowned sculptor Professor Sun Jiabin, the accomplished creator of the massive bronze and gold God of Fortune statue in the Paradise Gardens of Sands® Cotai Central, was invited by Sands China Ltd. to meet with a group of local academics, students and artists, during his visit to the opening celebration of the integrated resort.
Professor Sun went to the campus of Macao Polytechnic Institute Thursday afternoon to view sculptures and drawings created by students of the Visual Arts Programme of the Institute’s School of Arts. He shared his views and inspirations on art with students and also viewed drawings and paintings created by visual arts majors at the institute’s Lam Kan Exhibition Gallery. In the evening, Sun met with seasoned local sculptors of the Macao Sculpture Association at Sands Cotai Central’s Paradise Gardens, explaining the inspiration behind the larger-than-life God of Fortune statue and viewing sculptures together with his counterparts. “An environment rich in the arts enhances our quality of life and provides vitality to our community,” said Edward M. Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. “Sands China is an ardent supporter of international cultural exchange, and promotes creativity to both international visitors and locals on a regular basis, giving them a unique experience in Macao. We are honoured that Professor Sun has created this unique God of Fortune statue for Sands Cotai Central, and are grateful for the mentoring he has provided local art students and artists during this visit. We are always happy to support local talent. We also have to thank Professor Anita Fung, Program Coordinator of the Visual Arts of the School of Arts at Macao Polytechnic Institute; as well as Mr. Ng Sang Kei, President of the Macao Sculpture Association, for helping to make this event happen.”
Sun’s 16-foot-tall, 5,500-pound statue is made of polished bronze with 24-carat gold leaf accents and is located at the Paradise Gardens of Sands Cotai Central, the new integrated resort of Sands China. The professor is one of China’s top three most influential and reputable sculptors. Among his major works are the white marble statue ‘Chairman Mao Zedong’ in the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall in Beijing and ‘Premier Zhou Enlai’ in the Zhou Enlai Memorial Hall in Huai’an, Jiangsu. Sun has established himself as an artistic heavyweight, with a body of work that has been accredited at both home and abroad, garnering him many awards and accolades. His works are from major cities in China and currently, he is a director, professor and tutor of graduate students in the Department of Sculpture at Luxun Academy of Fine Arts in Shenyang. He is the commissioned sculptor of the Sculpture Institute of the Chinese National Academy of Arts of the Ministry of Culture, in addition to his many other memberships and posts.
Having opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, Sands Cotai Central features over 1,800 rooms and suites from internationally-celebrated hotel brands Conrad and Holiday Inn at the centre of the Cotai Strip®. Sheraton’s dual towers will add nearly 4,000 additional rooms within a year. Offering pathways to adventure, fun and fortune, the integrated resort features luxury accommodation, international dining options, two unique gaming centres, duty-free retail, world-class entertainment and expansive meeting and convention facilities.
Photo caption: Professor Sun Jiabin (center) meets with artists from the Macao Sculpture Association Thursday, to share his views on art and to discuss the creative process behind his God of Fortune statue. The renowned sculptor attended the opening ceremony of Sands Cotai Central Wednesday, to unveil the larger-than-life masterpiece at the integrated resort’s Paradise Gardens.
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About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (HKSE: 1928, Sands China or Company) is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS), and a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company owns and operates THE VENETIAN® Macao-Resort-Hotel, THE PLAZA™ Macao and SANDS® COTAI CENTRAL at the COTAI STRIP® development and SANDS® Macao Hotel on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s integrated resorts contain a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities, a wide range of restaurants, shopping malls, world-class entertainment at the CotaiArena™ and highspeed CotaiJet™ ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s property development projects on Cotai have the goal of transforming Cotai into Asia’s premier entertainment and business destination. For more information, please visit www.sandschinaltd.com.