Chinese officials are investigating outdoor clothing brand Arc'teryx after it apologized for a fireworks display in the Himalayan region of Tibet, which drew backlash for its potential impact on the fragile ecosystem.
Videos from the September 19 event show multi-colored fireworks erupting across foothills in a display designed by Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang as part of a promotional campaign.
But the show sparked a barrage of criticism online, with people saying the stunt contradicts Arc'teryx's image as a conservation-focused brand and calling for a boycott of its clothing line.
The Canadian firm apologized for the display, saying it was 'out of line with Arc'teryx's values'.
The firm stated that it will work with an external agency to assess the project's impact, adding that it had used entirely biodegradable materials. Arc'teryx insisted that the spectacle was aimed at raising awareness of mountain culture.
Founded in 1989, Arc'teryx is hugely popular for its high-end sportswear and mountaineering gear and runs more than 150 shops globally. It partnered with Cai to stage the high-altitude daytime display called 'Rising Dragon', set at over 5,000 meters in Tibet's Shigatse region, a gateway to Himalayan peaks like Everest.
Critics worried about the fragile environment, arguing the fireworks would disrupt local wildlife and upset the sacred nature of the mountains for Tibetan Buddhists.
In light of the overwhelming public concern, Arc'teryx remarked on the need for professional evaluation in art expressions and acknowledged their misstep in being more respectful of nature.
Artist Cai Guo Qiang has since expressed regret regarding the event and pledged to assist in mitigating its impacts.
Videos from the September 19 event show multi-colored fireworks erupting across foothills in a display designed by Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang as part of a promotional campaign.
But the show sparked a barrage of criticism online, with people saying the stunt contradicts Arc'teryx's image as a conservation-focused brand and calling for a boycott of its clothing line.
The Canadian firm apologized for the display, saying it was 'out of line with Arc'teryx's values'.
The firm stated that it will work with an external agency to assess the project's impact, adding that it had used entirely biodegradable materials. Arc'teryx insisted that the spectacle was aimed at raising awareness of mountain culture.
Founded in 1989, Arc'teryx is hugely popular for its high-end sportswear and mountaineering gear and runs more than 150 shops globally. It partnered with Cai to stage the high-altitude daytime display called 'Rising Dragon', set at over 5,000 meters in Tibet's Shigatse region, a gateway to Himalayan peaks like Everest.
Critics worried about the fragile environment, arguing the fireworks would disrupt local wildlife and upset the sacred nature of the mountains for Tibetan Buddhists.
In light of the overwhelming public concern, Arc'teryx remarked on the need for professional evaluation in art expressions and acknowledged their misstep in being more respectful of nature.
Artist Cai Guo Qiang has since expressed regret regarding the event and pledged to assist in mitigating its impacts.
