Vitor Ng 　Since its establishment, the Macao Foundation has vigorously promoted the development of culture and art in Macao. The Macao Foundation has collaborated for a number of years with the Macao Museum of Art under the administration of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and, together with other cultural organizations from China and abroad, our two institutions have put on large-scale special exhibitions of cultural and art treasures. 　While we have presented the people of Macao an abundance of art treasures from the west, we have nevertheless strived even more to promote and develop the rich culture and art of our own country and display to the world the brilliance of Chinese civilization through the ages. In doing so, we hoped to raise Macao’s cultural profile internationally and highlight Macao’s special character as a place where Chinese and western culture intertwine. 　This year marks the 450th anniversary of the birth of the great Ming Dynasty artist Dong Qi Chang. Dong Qi Chang occupies an illustrious place in the pantheon of Chinese art and his calligraphy and theories on the art have profoundly influenced later generations. Dong was also an exceptional landscapist and he took landscape to unprecedented heights. His achievements will resonate through the ages. 　In commemoration of this important anniversary, the Macao Foundation is joining forces once again with the Macao Museum of Art. Together with the Palace Museum and the Shanghai Museum and in close coordination with the Macao Government Tourist Office, they will hold “The Light of the Southern School - Special Exhibition on the 450th Anniversary of the Birth of Dong Qi Chang”, a special event to commemorate this immortal figure of the art world and to enable the public to appreciate his exceptional works. During the exhibition, an academic discussion forum will also be held in order to fully explore the significance of the event and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to promote academic research in Macao. 　“The Light of the Southern School” exhibition will bring together 120 art works from the Palace Museum and the Shanghai Museum. Besides Dong Qi Chang’s graceful works, visitors to the exhibition will also be able to view the great works of his teachers, friends, critics and writers of the same school. This special exhibition bears full witness to the artistic symbol of an age and his long-lasting influence. It is a rare and precious opportunity. A large-scale exhibition of cultural works and calligraphy such as this is a great event for Macao’s cultural life. It is also good news for academics, specialists and art lovers from Macao and abroad. Vitor Ng Chairman Executive Committee of Macao Foundation