Singapore, 11 May, 2001 - Nokia today announced its third-year campaign for its region-wide arts sponsorship programme. One of the most comprehensive region-wide arts sponsorship programmes in Asia Pacific, it aims to nurture and promote the development and appreciation of art around the region.
The Nokia Arts Awards - Asia Pacific 2001 was officially launched by Mr Nigel Litchfield, Senior Vice President, Nokia Mobile Phones Asia Pacific, and Dr Earl Lu, the first recipient of the Mont Blanc Arts Patronage Award, who is very much involved in the arts in Singapore and the region. The 2001 Nokia Arts Awards will again cover over a dozen markets: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
"The theme for the Nokia Arts Awards 2001 is a celebration of innovation, artistic vision and the creative human spirit. Everyday, what we experience in the physical world is shaping our minds - the unique domain where we are free to make personal statements, amplify our thoughts and express our sentiments. Be it reality or fantasy, we encourage all youth to cast their eyes on the world and express their artistic sentiments by stating their piece," said Nigel Litchfield, Senior Vice President, Nokia Mobile Phones, Asia Pacific.
Added Mr Litchfield, " Based on the theme for 2001, Eye on the World, Nokia invites students aged between 17-25 years to share their views on today's world by participating in the regional competition. The competition maintains its focus on two-dimensional art, it being the most accessible medium for students."
"The last two years' competitions were tremendous successes both from the number of entries received and the support of the community in the region. Over 5600 entries were received in last year's competition, a 3-fold increase from the inaugural year. I am confident that we will see even more inspiring and creative work from the youth of Asia Pacific across all 14 markets," said Ms Wong Ai Fong, Director, Nokia Communications, South East Asia & Pacific.
The Nokia Arts Awards - Asia Pacific 2001 is an integrated programme comprising local and regional arts awards competitions, art exhibitions, workshops and educational grants. Following the announcement of the 2001 programme today, all the participating markets will commence their local competitions and activities from May to October 2001. It will culminate in a prestigious, region-wide competition in end January 2002, where the top 3 winning entries from each Asia Pacific participating markets will vie for the top regional prizes. An international educational grant at Parsons School, USA and University of Art and Design Helsinki (UIAH), Finland, both preeminent arts institutions, will be awarded to the top winner of the regional competition, along with cash prizes, Nokia products and a specially designed Nokia Arts Awards trophy.
The inaugural Nokia Arts Awards - Asia Pacific was launched across 12 markets in May 1999. With the overwhelming response of the 1999's arts programme, the second Nokia's Arts Awards - Asia Pacific, was launched in 2000 across 14 markets in Asia Pacific, with inclusion of two new markets, Japan and Korea. Nokia announced the culmination of the region-wide Nokia Arts Awards - Asia Pacific 2000 and presented awards to the regional winning entries at an elegant awards ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea early this year. Following the 2000 regional awards ceremony, all 70 art pieces were first exhibited at INSA Art Center, a highly prestigious and popular art gallery in Seoul, South Korea. The exhibits are currently on a travelling exhibition across four markets in Asia Pacific namely Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
A leader in the cellular industry in many markets in Asia Pacific, Nokia provides innovative, industry-leading and market relevant technology and products to around 20 diverse markets in the region.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six magor exchanges.
You can visit the Nokia Asia Pacific website at www.nokia-asia.com or the Nokia Group website at www.nokia.com.
For further information, please contact:
Nokia Asia Pacific
Evelyn Goh
Senior Manager
Nokia Communications, South East Asia & Pacific
Tel. +65 723 2328
Fax +65 723 2477
Frazer Neomacken
Executive
Nokia Communications, South East Asia & Pacific
Tel. +65 723 2329
Fax +65 723 2477
www.nokia.com