28 February 2024, Macau

Recently, a lifelike pixel rooster has appeared on the pillar box at the intersection of Rua de Coelho do Amaral. This is one of the latest works of the “Electricity x Culture and Creativity – Pillar Box Revitalization with Art” activity of Companhia de Electricidade de Macau - CEM, S.A. (CEM).

CEM and the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) have once again collaborated this year for the revitalization of pillar boxes through art. Under the supervision of professional teachers at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of MUST, the works by students Li Xinyang, Wu Yanyi, Zeng Fanning, Han Jiarong, Tan Qiying, Xie Zhuojun, Wu Jingting, Xu Wanting, Xie Fengwu, Lin Jiawei, Li Sanchuan, Wang Xinyu, Wang Yale, Wang Yidi, Huang Jialu have been showcased on the streets of Macau. Some of their works are humorous and some are aesthetic; they may be depicting city landmarks or expressing the beauty of nature. The revitalization creative process also attracted many passersby to stop and watch. Amidst the bustling streets, dedicated creators and interested viewers embraced the fusion of art and life, adding vibrant colors to the streets and alleys of Macau. 

Professor Zhang Zhiqing, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of MUST, was delighted with the successful launch of the “Electricity x Culture and Creativity – Pillar Boxes Revitalization with Art” activity. He said that not only does this activity mark another collaboration between MUST and CEM, but it also provides the university with an important opportunity to cultivate students' creativity and artistic expression. The charm of art lies in transcending material boundaries, breaking the barriers of time and space, and evoking people's depiction and love for beautiful things. Art should go beyond galleries, museums and schools and integrate into people's daily lives, bringing them more enjoyable experiences. MUST and CEM will continue to work together to contribute to the cultural development of Macau, creating a more artistic, lively, and unique urban atmosphere.

Cecilia Nip, Director of CEM Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Communications Office, thanked the teachers and students of MUST for participating in this activity again, and was very pleased that CEM's power facilities have become a platform for college students to display their artistic talents.CEM launched the “Electricity x Culture and Creativity - Pillar Box Revitalization with Art” activity in 2017. Various art groups and professional institutions in Macau, such as Macau Illustrators Association, Macau Artist Society and MUST, etc., were invited to participate in the activity, in which they revitalized outdoor electrical facilities through artistic works. Nearly 80 pillar boxes and customer substations have been converted into cultural and artistic carriers spread across various corners of the Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane, conveying the unique and diverse charm of Macau.

From providing high-quality public power services to using power facilities to enrich the cultural connotation of the city, CEM has been doing its best to explore various dimensions. Through “Electricity x Culture and Creativity”, CEM hopes to infuse the city with more vitality and energy, making its attractiveness readable, communicable and sustainable.

Due to the potential danger of power facilities such as pillar boxes, CEM conducts briefings for creators before each session and takes safety measures during implementation. CEM also advises citizens not to touch, damage or paint the power facilities without authorization. A high-quality life is created and maintained by all of us together.