‘“i’mperfect” Art Development Programme for Artists with Disabilities’ Officially Unveiled
(HONG KONG .29th November, 2011 12:00 noon) – The ‘“i’mperfect” Art Development Programme for Artists with Disabilities’, hosted by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) and co-organized by Treasure Auctioneer Limited, was proudly unveiled today at The Residence of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. The project aims to allow the artists with disabilities to move towards self-reliance and to help them enhance and maximize their potential, thereby building an inclusive community.
The officiating guests of honor of this meaningful programme included Mrs. Carrie LAM, GBS, JP, Secretary for Development, Mr. Charles CHANG, Chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Ms. Maisy HO, Chairman of the Community Services Committee cum 5th Vice-Chairman of TWGHs, and Ms. Candy CHUANG, Chairwoman of Treasure Auctioneer.
TWGHs and Treasure Auctioneer are committed to creating opportunities for the underprivileged. Sharing the same vision, their joint effort has brought into existence the ‘“i’mperfect” Art Development Programme for Artists with Disabilities’. With Treasure Auctioneer’s generous donation and well renowned expertise in organizing various events which include auctions and exhibitions, the programme aims to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the arts from the people with disabilities. The programme will run for three years and this year, over 80 art pieces by 15 artists from the TWGHs i-dArt are compiled into an art album. In addition, over 30 selected masterpieces will be offered in a public charity auction held by Treasure Auctioneer. The auction proceeds will be used primarily to promote self-reliance, thereby helping them to build self-confidence and self-image.
Established by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Community Services, i-dArt is a unique community art space which promotes artists with disability, and aims towards social inclusion through art. i-dArt holds theme-based exhibitions, organizes different inclusive art workshops, and offers exhibition space for rental. With this unique platform, people with disability can be met and appreciated, and gain the recognition they need to connect with the community.
Ms. Candy CHUANG, Chairwoman of Treasure Auctioneer, said: “We are extremely honored to be the sponsor and co-organizer of the ‘“i’mperfect” Art Development Programme for Artists with Disabilities’. I firmly believe that arts elevate the spirits for the artists in the programme as much as it did for me. By supporting this programme, particularly holding the charity auction, I wish their great works can be showcased to help this art-loving community move towards self-empowerment. The society at large will stand to share the joy of art by appreciating and supporting their talents.”
Mr.CHANG Juo Hwa, Charles, Chairman of TWGHs Board of Directors, said, “We are moved by the passion of a group of artists with disabilities and we are seeking every opportunity to initiate an art development project for them so as to extend their horizon. Having the support from Treasure Auctioneer Limited, with her expertise in promoting artworks through networking resources, our art-lovers’ works can be put up in professional platform. This is indeed a big encouragement to them and will drive them to create and to lead a wonderful and enriched life. Here, I would like to solicit your support of “i’mperfect” Art Development Programme for Artists with Disabilities so that more disabled people who have art potentials can have their dreams come true.”
The age and background of the artists are diversified; yet, they share the same fervent passion, self-confidence and positive attitude through their works. KEUNG Wai Kai learned drawing and calligraphy on his own since a young age. With muscular dystrophy, he continues to volunteer with designs and drawings for the rehabilitation complex where he currently resides. Vicky CHAN Sze Man, born in the 80’s and being autistic, excels in drawing flowers. Her artworks infiltrate our daily lives life with one of her flower pieces used as the design of a cookie tin. CHEUNG Ka Cheung was a table tennis player who represented Hong Kong at the Summer Paralympics when he was young. Now suffering from cerebral palsy, Ka Cheung insists on painstakingly drawing the details of bird feathers to his great satisfaction.
The charity auction for ‘“i’mperfect” Art Development Programme for Artists with Disabilities’ will be held on the 30 November 2011 (Wed), from 16:00 to 16:30, at The Residence, M/F Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
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About Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Established in 1870, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals has been all along upholding its mission “To heal the sick and to relieve the distressed; to care for the elderly and to rehabilitate the disabled; to promote education and to nurture youngsters; and to raise the infants and to guide the children.” Nowadays, Tung Wah has become the largest charitable organization in Hong Kong. For over a hundred years, Tung Wah’s medical and health, education and community services have developed rapidly to fulfill the needs of the society and to provide high quality services at low rates. Today, Tung Wah operates 232 services centres, including 5 hospitals, 23 Chinese and Western medicine treatment and health management centres; 51 education services centres and 151 community services centres, to provide a spectrum of social welfare services catering to the needs of families, children and youth, the elderly and the disabled. In addition, Tung Wah Museum aims to facilitate the protection of cultural heritage work by promoting the history of the group and restoration and preservation of institutional archives
About Treasure Auctioneer Limited
Founded in 1999, Treasure Auctioneer Limited is the largest local auction house in Hong Kong. Treasure Auctioneer regularly conducts auctions for all sorts of collectibles, specializing in Chinese ceramics, works of Art and furniture, Chinese paintings and calligraphy, magnificent jewellery and jadeite, as well as important timepieces. Our clientele ranges from collectors, dealers, galleries, museums to enthusiasts around the world. Since its establishment, Treasure Auctioneer has staged over 100 integrated and specialized auctions, and has successfully facilitated sales of well over 10,000 pieces of collectibles.
Our office is located in Central, Hong Kong, where we have a dedicated and well-equipped venue for exhibitions and auctions. There we have a team of specialists readily offering consultations and conducting appraisals as we actively strive to provide the most complete and professional service for our clients. In order to better serve and explore new opportunities in China, a market of paramount importance, we have teamed up with 11 reputable agents in different cities in the PRC to promote and facilitate roadshows and auctions, as well as providing after sales service for our clients.
Treasure Auctioneer has also launched the online “TREASURE-AUCTION.COM”. With this online platform available in Chinese and English, visitors can update themselves with the latest industry information, auction catalogues, bidding processes and results. The website also offers the “On-line Auction”, a real time online live bidding tool. The website has now recruited over 5,000 members globally.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Francis Lau / Ms/. Gloria Tsui Ms. Yeung Mee-ling
Trimaran Corporate Communications Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Tel: +852 3101 4683 / 3678 0107 Tel: +852 2870 9114
Email: francis@trimaran.com.hk / Email: ml.yeung@tungwah.org.hk
gloria@trimaran.com.hk
Ms. Robert Chan
Treasure Auctioneer Limited
Tel: +852 3763 9543
Email: robert@treasure-auction.com
Ms. Maisy HO, Chairman of the Community Services Committee cum 5th Vice-Chairman of TWGHs (1st from left), accompanied by Mr. Charles CHANG, Chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, presents the souvenir to Mrs. Carrie LAM, GBS, JP, Secretary for Development.
Accompanied by Mr. Charles CHANG, Chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (1st from left), Mrs. Carrie LAM, GBS, JP, Secretary for Development (Centre), represents TWGHs to receive the cheque from Ms. Candy CHUANG, Chairwoman of Treasure Auctioneer.
Mrs. Carrie LAM, GBS, JP, Secretary for Development (2nd from left), Mr. Charles CHANG, Chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (1st from left), and Ms. Candy CHUANG, Chairwoman of Treasure Auctioneer (2nd from right), officiate at the kick-off ceremony of ‘”i’mperfect” Art Development Programme for Artists with Disabilities’.
A group photo of the officiating guests, members from the organizer, co-organizer and guests.