20 February 2009
“Break the Frame for a New Life” Art Exhibition Bridges the Gap between People with Psychiatric Disability and the Public through Visual Art
Following the opening ceremony of “Break the Frame for a New Life” Art Exhibition which was held today (20 February) and officiated by Ms. Deborah Wan, B.B.S., J.P., Chief Executive Officer of New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (New Life) along with other honorable guests, the artwork collections created by people with psychiatric disability will start being exhibited for three consecutive days – from 20-22 February (Friday to Sunday) at Exhibition Gallery 5, Hong Kong Central Library.
“Seeing that so many people, with their preset mindsets, are bound by prejudice against people with psychiatric disability, New Life organized this art exhibition with the hope that the public could break through the framework and view things with new perspectives.” Ms Deborah Wan said. “Through art appreciation, people can know more about what people with psychiatric disability can do and understand what they think, how they feel. Furthermore, people with psychiatric disability can also experience the freedom that comes by tearing down the psychological barricade and learn to set free their hearts. Using art as a medium, we look forward to bridging the gap between both parties, and seeing the true harmony being established in the society.”
“Break the Frame for a New Life” Art Exhibition is the outcome of New Life’s years of effort in bringing art into the training program for people with psychiatric disability. The visual art training program started from 2005, until January 2009 there has already been 3 advanced level courses completed with 72 participants successfully graduated. The 200 pieces of artwork shown in this exhibition are some of the most outstanding ones.
The exhibition features a wide array of artwork, from pencil sketches, watercolor/oil paintings, Chinese paintings, crayon drawings to handicrafts, and even the creative combination of all of these. With bold brushstrokes and innovative use of various materials, these artists finally find a way to express their genuine, deep-seated feelings and the way they see life, freely.
During the three-day exhibition, there will be 7 timeslots in which guided tours will be provided for a more comprehensive appreciation of the art pieces. Besides, 2 sessions of “Break The Frame for a New Life – Let’s Draw Together Activity” will also be organized on 21 February (Saturday) from 2 pm – 3:30 pm and 3:30 pm – 5pm respectively, for the public to have a chance to learn drawing together with the people with psychiatric disability, and through which, as it is hoped, that people can learn to respect one and other and live together harmoniously.
Apart from organizing this art exhibition, New Life has also compiled the artwork in “Break the Frame for a New Life” Art Book for further appreciation. Covering a lot more details about the exhibition, the art book includes not only the artwork, but also the sharing of the artists, words from the consultants and instructors, and the thank you notes from the family members and staff. Visitors can get the art book in the exhibition arena for free.
Special thanks to Glory Channel Limited for providing design and printing services for the art book and promotion collaterals of the exhibition ; Leisure and Cultural Services Department for sponsoring the venue fee of the exhibition; and all art consultants for their efforts during the whole event.
New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is a non-profit making welfare organization established in 1965 aiming at providing comprehensive community rehabilitation services to facilitate self-reliance and social integration of people with psychiatric disability. The Association operates 29 service units serving more than 6,000 service users every day, catering their residential, vocational and social needs. Starting from 1994, the Association has been playing a pioneer role in developing diversified social enterprises to provide work and training opportunities for people with psychiatric disability. Up till now, 20 social enterprises have been developed including vegetable stall, fruit stall, convenience stores, restaurants, light refreshment kiosk, healthy living specialty / organic shops, souvenir shop, eco-tourism, cleansing service, property management service and coffee shop.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Loretta Poon, Corporate Affairs Manager, or
Mr. Keith Lau, Corporate Affairs Executive Officer
New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
Tel: (852) 2332 4343 Fax: (852) 2770 9345
Email：loretta@nlpra.org.hk or keithlau@nlpra.org.hk
Web site：http://www.nlpra.org.hk
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