In view of the impact of the novel coronavirus, the activities of cultural associations have been cancelled. In the Subsidy Programme “Financial Support for Local Association Activities/ Cultural Projects Programme”, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) provides a mechanism for exemption from force majeure. For activities or projects that have been subsidized by IC, the associations may indicate the activities that have been cancelled due to the epidemic when submitting the report and submit a copy of supporting document for incurred expenses. After review, the incurred expenses will be reimbursed with the awarded amount of subsidies according to the original subsidy procedure. The associations can submit an application for changes or reports on the related activities by email, without applying in person.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau has always supported local cultural and artistic associations in organizing activities that are in favour of the development of Macao’s culture. If the activities are cancelled due to force majeure (such as typhoons, epidemics, etc.), the IC provides a mechanism for discretionary exemption. The associations can submit a report stating the reason with a reasonable explanation to IC within 30 days after the activities are cancelled, and submit a copy of supporting document for incurred expenses. After the information and supporting documents are verified in accordance with the scope of subsidy by IC, the subsidized projects will be retained and the incurred expenses will be reimbursed with the awarded amount of subsidies according to the original subsidy procedure.

In response to the impact of the novel coronavirus, the IC has launched a number of temporary measures for ease of subsidy programme, including: the applicants can submit their applications through IC’s “online application system”; during this period, the IC’s online system will generate the application form with the application date as the submission date, the requesting entities may also send the relevant information for assessment by email, without applying in person. For changes or submission of reports, please email to ac@icm.gov.mo. The subsidized associations may explain the reason and request for extension by email if they are unable to submit the report within 30 days after the end of activities. For enquiries, please contact IC through tel. no. 83996699 during office hours or email to ac@icm.gov.mo. For the updates, please visit IC’s website at www.icm.gov.mo, its official WeChat account “ICMacao” or “IC Art” page on Facebook.