Rising together in support of the art community
The importance of art cannot be understated. Art matters not just from a historical perspective but it is also intricately linked to culture. After all, it serves as a representative form of the evolution of societies and a reflection of expression, creativity and social influence. As such, it is vital that, individually and collectively as a society, we continue to support and nurture the art industry and its creative talents.
Recognising the importance of the visual arts community, RHB Banking Group (RHB) has been an avid and strong supporter of art in Malaysia. In 2016, the leading bank kicked-off its RHB Art with Heart (AwH) initiative to support Malaysian art and its artists.
This ongoing initiative serves to support the local art community by providing a platform in which artists can display their artworks. It also serves as a way to make art more accessible by educating the public on this important creative field and, in turn, nurture a greater cultural understanding among the masses.
The AwH exhibition provides the means for Malaysian artists, especially young and emerging home-grown talents, to showcase and sell their amazing art pieces. Following four instalments of AwH, with a two-year intermission due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative continues to be a key programme among the Malaysian art community.
More importantly though, AwH not only serves to support local artists and emergent art practices by providing them with an avenue for their voices and imaginaries to be seen through their art, but it also focuses on helping the local communities. On top of enabling RHB’s customers, business partners and avid art collectors to admire and invest in the unique array of artworks on display, part of the proceeds from the exhibition are channelled towards various initiatives targeted at helping underprivileged families and the B40 communities.
To date, the initiative has supported 66 artists and facilitated the sale of 123 pieces of art amounting to more than RM600,000, of which 80% has gone to the artists themselves while the balance has been channelled towards community initiatives driven by RHB Foundation. Read More...
