2010-03-31
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Appoints
New Chairman
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation announces the appointment of Robert Y. C. Ho as its new Chairman of the Board. Officially appointed at the annual general meeting in March, Robert Y. C. Ho will advance the board’s efforts into the Foundation’s next phase of growth, while continuing the Ho Family’s philanthropic tradition in its fourth generation. Robert Y. C. Ho follows Caroline Pfohl-Ho who will continue to serve on the Foundation’s board.
Since its inception in 2005, the Foundation has been expanding rapidly both locally and internationally. As a keen supporter of the arts, it has been a major funder of many major exhibitions and cultural events, and has developed and sponsored programmes in its home base in Hong Kong, as well as in the US and Europe.
Under the leadership of Robert Y. C. Ho, the board will continue with its twin missions of fostering Chinese arts and culture and promoting a deeper understanding of Buddhism in the contemporary world. In the year of 2010, the Foundation will focus on programmes to revitalise traditional Chinese art, encourage cross-cultural understanding, promote arts education and projects that explore the intersection of Buddhism and the arts.
Robert Y. C. Ho has served as a member of the board of directors since the inauguration of the Foundation. He has been the pivotal leader behind the Foundation’s programmes that revitalize traditional Chinese and Buddhist cultures.
“Robert Y. C. Ho has a rich understanding and solid background in revitalizing traditional cultures, and he has demonstrated leadership in engaging strategic partners as well as programme development, “said Robert H. N. Ho, Founder of the Foundation. “He is deeply committed to the vision and mission of the Foundation. His expertise will bring in new ventures and advance our efforts in promoting Chinese culture as well as Buddhist philosophy in different parts of the world.”
Robert Y. C. Ho said, “I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to continue our Foundation’s many initiatives and activities. We hope to play a part in enriching and inspiring people’s lives around the world.”
Programmes that illuminate the Foundation’s commitment to fostering Chinese art and culture and promoting Buddhist philosophy have been scheduled throughout 2010:
In the area of revitalizing traditional Chinese art, the Foundation has funded a documentary film
The Emperor’s Secret Garden in collaboration with the Prince’s Charities Foundation and the World Monuments Fund, which will premiere this spring. The film records the restoration of Juanqinzhai inside the Forbidden City in Beijing and vividly presents to international audiences the intricate beauty of Chinese arts and crafts traditions from over 230 years ago. The film captures the conservation and restoration works which involve reviving traditional materials and craftsmanship. On bringing traditional Chinese culture to the young audience, this year the Foundation is partnering with Design and Cultural Studies (HK).
Workshop led by Mr. Chiu Kwong Chiu to develop
Forbidden City For Children - a set of books for children, parents and teachers to enjoy Chinese art and history. The books take different themes from the Forbidden City, ranging from architectural structure to imperial life, to present Chinese culture in a vibrant, engaging approach. This book set will be available in fall 2010.
Continuing its work in promoting cross cultural understanding, in June, the Foundation is supporting the premiere exhibition of the Canadian national tour of China’s terracotta army at the Royal Ontario Museum. Titled
The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army, this touring exhibition marks the first time that the 2,200 year old terracotta army has been shown in Canada. It will showcase recent archaeological finds; treasures that never travelled outside Mainland China and artifacts never been displayed in museums in China. The Foundation is also funding the education programmes themed around the exhibition, and encourages students, teachers and the general public to discover more about ancient Chinese civilization.
The Foundation strongly believes that education and the arts are fundamental to the growth and health of individuals and the society; and each person is capable of practicing an art, and enriched by it. Building on the past five years, the Foundation will continue its three education programmes in Hong Kong, namely
Through Our Eyes photography workshop,
Get It Write writing workshop and
Leap! body education programme. Taking a hands-on, innovative approach, these programmes encourage the youths to appreciate and create art, while provide teaching opportunities to the local artists. This year, the Foundation will expand these programmes to reach more teenagers and children. In the future, it will continue working closely with its strategic partners, leveraging on both local and international expertise to develop effective, interesting initiatives for the youths to participate in the arts.
About the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation is a Hong Kong-based independent philanthropic organization. With deep roots in Chinese culture, the Foundation was founded with two missions. The first is to promote Chinese arts and culture, the second goal is to foster a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and to apply its insights in everyday life. It operates on the principle that the arts are fundamental to the growth and health of a society, and that every person should have the opportunity not only to appreciate art, but also to participate in its creation. The Foundation strongly believes that the insights of Buddhism can be a powerful vehicle for one’s development and transformation, and can help people approach issues in their personal lives, in society and in the world, with greater integrity and ingenuity.
To learn more about the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation and its programmes, please visit
www.rhfamilyfoundation.org
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