Artists Abroad was founded in 1995. Over the years, membership numbers have varied from 6 to 15 but always with a diverse cross-section of nationalities from America, England, France, Canada, Italy, Japan, India, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Taiwan, China and of course Hong Kong.
The first Annual Exhibition of Artists Abroad was held in 1995 at the HK Visual Arts Centre. Since then, exhibition locations have included City Hall and The Rotunda. All members share the duties and expenses involved in holding an exhibition. During the year, members meet once a month to organise the exhibition, exchange ideas, inspire and motivate each other. We also arrange group cultural outings during the year, such as visits to exhibitions and museums, sketching in outlying islands, or visiting the Dafen Oil Painting Village in China.
Artists Abroad also participates in a community service project each year. In the past these have included painting a mural at the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, the Grantham Hospital, and at the SPCA, activities with Watchdog, The Chi Heng Foundation and Mother's Choice.
Artists Abroad's identity lays in its diversity - artists from different backgrounds working in a wide variety of mediums and many modes of expression. While remaining true to its original focus - an opportunity for members to display their work at an Annual Exhibition - the mission has grown over the years to include:-
- Fostering camaraderie, mutual support and peer critiques
- Motivating and inspiring each other
- Encouraging new artists
- Offering opportunities for community groups and students to learn more about art and meet artists
- Providing incentives to increase the quality of art and its presentation
- Providing a network for artists
- Community outreach programmes
To learn more, please contact artistsabroad@yahoo.com