What is an Imaginary Village?

"Imaginary Village" is a highly interconnected series of activities.

Macau was originally a city composed of numerous villages. However, with development, the images of these villages are almost inevitably fading away. Using limited historical materials, maps, photos, and on-site cultural relics, guided by artist Lui Chak Keong and urban planner Lam Iak Chit, participants will incorporate their own imagination to piece together the images of these vanished villages.

The activity combines a rational understanding of historical materials with a sentimental imagination of the villages, guiding participants to draw and construct the image of Macau's villages.

Lecture × Drawing × Field Trip

The event consists of a series of activities including lectures, field trips, drawing, and an exhibition.

Four days of activities are arranged with lectures and field trips, providing an in-depth understanding of Macau's 19th-century village relics in both theory and reality. Based on the comparison of materials and physical objects, participants will imagine the image of Macau's villages and create drawings. Even the seemingly dull streets you pass by every day may hide many unexpected surprises.

After the works are completed, participants' pieces will be exhibited separately, allowing the results to be shared with more citizens.

Anyone interested in drawing, history, or the community is welcome to participate!

Guidance

Drawing Guidance: Lui Chak Keong

• Local artist and French heritage architect. Explains drawing techniques and guides participants in drawing creation.

Lecture and Field Trip: Lam Iak Chit

• Urban planner. Explains Macau's urban and rural development, the state of Macau and surrounding settlements before modernization, and arranges on-site field trips for participants.

Exhibition

An exhibition venue will be arranged separately after participants complete their works.

Schedule

Every Saturday, 4 sessions total

• Group A: October 6, 13, 20*, 27
• Group B: November 3, 10, 17*, 24 * Outdoor field trip, location to be announced separately

Time: 15:00–18:30

Location: Old House Studio (Map: bit.ly/ohstudio-map)

Ticketing

Price per group: MOP 500 | 4 sessions

Purchase Tickets: bit.ly/ohs-form

Ticket includes:

• Simple stationery set (sketchbook, pencil, and eraser per person)
• Simple refreshments (except for outdoor field trips)

Organizers

Organizer: Root Community Planning Cooperative

• A non-profit organization upholding community-based principles, promoting sustainable urban development, and serving as a platform for public participation in planning.

Executive Collaborator: Old House Studio

• A group of people who want to make our city better. They regularly host cultural activities such as lectures and workshops, and conduct research on urban agriculture related to food.

Event Sponsor: Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau

Participant Notes

• Seats are limited, please register in advance. All payments should be completed before the event, and receipts should be returned. Failure to transfer payment within the specified time will be considered as cancellation of registration.
• Participation in the studio's activities automatically grants membership.
• If unable to attend, please notify in advance.
• The organizing institution reserves the final right of decision for the event.
• For any other questions, please feel free to contact us.