Who are we?

The Maritime Arts and Culture Association (MACA), officially established in 2021, is one of Hong Kong's leading associations dedicated to the study of Chinese maritime culture. Committed to preserving China's maritime history, the association collects Chinese maritime artifacts from overseas, striving to contribute to the preservation of the Maritime Silk Road.

The Association is solely responsible for the collection, conservation, management, and exhibition of cultural relics . To date, the Association has over 20,000 cultural relics under its care, an impressive number.

Founding Background

The Ocean Culture and Art Association was founded by Mr. Zhang Jiaqian, a dedicated researcher of Maritime Silk Road culture. As a collector of cultural relics, Mr. Zhang upholds the pioneering spirit of " daring to be the first in the world" and the goal of "promoting the nation through culture." He is dedicated to collecting, researching, and preserving cultural artifacts from China and other countries along the Maritime Silk Road.

In 2017, Mr. Zhang discovered the "Crocodile Island Shipwreck," a merchant ship from the Northern Song Dynasty in Indonesia. As the world's first recovered shipwreck from the Northern Song Dynasty, the artifacts aboard are of extraordinary significance.

Association Purpose

1. To research and explore the history and culture of the Maritime Silk Road, and promote maritime culture and art to Hong Kong residents, especially children and young people, thereby enhancing their interest in and appreciation of Chinese culture, art, and history.

2. Promote cultural, academic, educational, and artistic exchanges between Hong Kong residents and people from mainland China and around the world. Enhance Hong Kong residents' understanding and appreciation of the history, culture, and current development of mainland China and other parts of the world; and help young people cultivate correct values, understand global trends, and seize development opportunities.

3. To develop collaboration and exchange in marine culture and art with experts, scholars, artists, marine culture enthusiasts, as well as various literary and artistic creation units, research institutions, and enterprises around the world, both domestically and internationally, to enhance Hong Kong’s cultural and artistic standards internationally.