Sheraton sponsors Youth Art in HK
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Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers (Sheraton Hong Kong) have partnered once again with Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF) to organize the “Sheraton City Beats Sculpture Project”, of which the exhibition of the art sculptures will be held for public’s viewing at the Tang Foyer, 3/F Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers from 5 - 13 September 2009. This project has invited a group of over 20 Sheraton volunteers and 18 youth from the Sham Shui Po district, led by local artist Hui Chui Hung, to create vibrant 3-dimensional sculptures to show the dynamic side of the Sham Shui Po community through a series of workshops.
Holding a belief that “Life is better when shared”, the Sheraton is committed to improving the local communities by supporting inspirational volunteering projects around the world. Therefore, in line with Sheraton’s core value of “Warm, Connected, Community”, Sheraton Hong Kong has been dedicated to supporting HKYAF by sponsoring and encouraging volunteer service with the associates to offer art creation programmes for the less advantaged youths. With 11 years of rewarding partnership between Sheraton Hong Kong and HKYAF, it is hoped that the youths will develop a positive attitude towards life and face challenges ahead.
This year, the “Sheraton City Beats Sculpture Project” provided the youths from the Society for Community Organization with an art creation opportunity. The participants, after a series of workshops this summer, learnt the art technique of paper mache to create innovative artwork which would be displayed for public enjoyment.
Artist Hui Chui Hung specifically used ordinary materials such as wasted paper, magazines and bottles to teach sculpture-making skills because they are the familiar and everyday objects. “These everyday art materials will never be foreign to the participants. They are easily accessible so that the participants start getting creative straight away. I am also really pleased that the participating youths value the chance of creating their own art piece, and that they are getting really excited about the upcoming public exhibition, where their work will be on display for the public to see and appreciate.”
Lindsey McAlister, Founder and Artistic Director of HKYAF, said: “We are grateful for Sheraton Hong Kong’s support over the years. It is our belief that art knows no boundaries and with the guidance of professional artists, young people can fully exercise their imagination and creativity to create stunning and unique artwork. You can see the happiness and pride they feel from making their own work from scratch. It truly is a rewarding experience to see that both the volunteers and the young people enjoyed themselves in this art programme.”
The art workshops have given these youngsters from the low income families a valuable opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Through interactions with the Sheraton volunteers, they are motivated to explore who they are, share their thoughts and dreams, develop their self-confidence, strengthen their communications skills and experience a sense of reward. At the same time, Sheraton associates who have volunteered to devote their own leisure time to work with a community in need have also established close ties with the young people, learning and growing with them, to find a new perspective with creativity and possibilities.
Exhibition details:
Date & Time : 5 – 11 September, 2009 10:00-22:00
Venue : Tang Foyer, 3/F Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
20 Nathan Road, Kowloon
Free admission, suitable for all age
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