Vuurwerkstunt Arc’teryx in Tibet zorgt voor ophef, merk biedt excuses aan

Arc’teryx, an outdoor clothing brand partly in the hands of Chinese Anta Sports, apologizes. The reason is the fuss about a promotion event with a large fireworks show in the Tibetan Himalayas. The ‘Rising Dragon’ show, a collaboration with the Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, included a choreographed fireworks show and colored smoke on the Tibetan plateau.

According to the organizers, environmentally friendly materials were used for the show and wild animals from the area were led away. In addition, the project would have passed specific tests and meet standards for environmental management that are comparable to the European.

Nevertheless, videos from the event on social media led to online fuss. Critics in particular point to the contradiction with the usually ‘environmentally friendly’ image of Arc’teryx.

According to various press agencies, Chinese officials and the Government of Shigatse have started an investigation into the campaign. Customers also call for a boycott from the brand.

In response, Arc’teryx shared a statement on his Instagram page, which states that the show is not in line with the values ​​of the brand. “The event was directly opposite our dedication to nature, who we are and who we want to be for our people and our community,” said the brand.

The brand adds to discuss the situation directly with the local artist involved and his team in China. “The criticism of the public has pointed out to us that the assessment of art expressions should be more professional and that we must deal more humble and more respectfully with nature,” the statement concludes.