Charity fundraiser: Beirut comes to life
Ambassador Shorter hosted a charity fundraiser event in collaboration with British artist Tom Young.
Tom Young with culture minister Rony Areiji and Ambassador Hugo Shorter
British Ambassador Hugo Shorter held a charity fundraiser at his residence in Yarze, in collaboration with British artist Tom Young and in aid of Home of Hope (HOH) orphanage. The event was attended by Culture Minister Rony Araiji, Embassy friends, partners and art lovers. This open house event was the latest of British Embassy initiatives to support the under-privileged.
Artist Tom Young, who hopes through his work to make a contribution for the future of a country he admires dearly, displayed a set of his paintings titled ‘Spectrum’. Through an infinite array of emotion, the paintings explore how new life can revitalise the abandoned chambers of Beirut. Tom worked with children from the Home of Hope orphanage who joined him at the Rose House and were able to produce their own paintings and sketches under his artistic guidance.
‘Eh Fi Amal’ (Yes There is Hope) was the title of the Home of Hope orphanage students project expressing a vision of regeneration in the city, a reflection of hope for a better future. The children visited the exhibition and were thrilled to see their work on display in the Ambassador’s home alongside Tom’s works.
In his welcoming speech ambassador Shorter said:
We are proud to be showcasing Tom’s talent and message to Lebanon. Tom’s paintings and his vision of Beirut are part of how my wife and I learned to look at this beautiful city. Tom’s work is goes beyond the canvas, and includes sharing his passion for art with the young, bringing out the hidden artistic talent in them and showing them much more of Lebanon’s beauty, resilience and hope.
Tom Young said:
I’m delighted to be here for the second joint venture with the British embassy in support of my work and the children of Lebanon. Through art, I attempt to preserve the architectural heritage sites for the future of Lebanon, in collaboration with disadvantaged children who hopefully will play a part in the restructuring of a country we all strongly believe in.
A short video was screened of the children at work and another of Tom’s painting process showing how, with art, one can respond creatively and positively to some of the challenges facing Lebanon. Sale revenues will be donated to HOH orphanage that is housing around 200 children (Lebanese and other nationalities).