The staged day-time fireworks by Arc’teryx were curated by Chinese pyrotechnics artist Cai Guo-QiangCio, the same artist who oversaw fireworks for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing (pictured August 2008 in Beijing, China). File Photo By Mike Theiler/UPI. | License Photo
The outdoor clothing company Arc’teryx offered apologies following backlash after a firework advertisement along the Himalayan mountains left critics wondering how it got approved by China’s Communist authorities.
The promotional firework display by the Canadian firework company Arc’teryx, styled as “Rising Dragon,” took place Friday in Tibet’s Shigatse region in far west China along the snow-capped ridge of the Himalayan mountains bordering Nepal in a mountainous area sacred to many in the Buddhist-dominant faith.
A county environmental Chinese official confirmed Saturday the event had been granted approval but added that “for now” the local ecology did not appear damaged.
On Sunday, the environmentally-friendly company apologized for the Tibeaten plateau firework event, saying it was “out of line with Arc’teryx’s values.”
“We’ve heard your concerns, and we share them,” it said in part in a Instagram post, adding it was “addressing the directly” and with the firework creator.
The staged daytime fireworks curated by Chinese pyrotechnics artist Cai Guo-Qiang left many questioning how Arc’teryx — owned by Hong Kong-based equipment company Anta Sports — was granted approval by Chinese government officials.
“This event was in direct opposition to our commitment to outdoor spaces, who we are and who we want to be for our people and our community,” it added.
Meanwhile, the local branch of China’s governing Communist Party and the local Shigatse municipal government reportedly has launched an official investigation into the incident following public outcry over possible damage to wildlife and the fagile egosystem, according to the BBC.
According to local authorities, no environmental impact assessment was required because after the firework event was deemed compliant after meetings with Chinese authorities.
China’s multi-billion dollar firework industry has gone through numerous transitions over the decades.
Cio, 67, notably is the same artist who oversaw fireworks for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
He later offered “sincere apologies” for his role and stated he would work with local officials to aid in the recovery in any at all damage.
On Monday, the China Advertising Association said it was “disappointed” the company did not explore “more positive marketing strategies.”
“The display, under the guise of ‘respecting nature,’ potentially harmed the environment, ultimately eroding years of trust,” the group said in a statement.
