AAPPAC Centres in China aid Earthquake Relief Efforts

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake which measured 8.0 on the Richter scale devastated the Sichuan province of China on 12 May 08. The earthquake was felt as far away as Beijing, Shanghai and in nearby countries, and left about 4.8 million people homeless.

In the monumental rescue efforts following the earthquake, AAPPAC member centres in China have kicked-off special programmes and initiatives in aid of the earthquake relief efforts. Apart from Shanghai Grand Theatre’s efforts (see accompanying article) in the wake of the disaster, Hangzhou Grand Theatre, Suzhou Science and Cultural Arts Centre and Shenzhen Concert Hall also contributed in many ways.

At Hangzhou Grand Theatre’s West Lake Spring Arts Festival, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra dedicated a special Chinese piece "Moonlight on the Spring River" in tribute to the people of Sichuan, and donated 20% of the box office income to the earthquake-stricken areas. At the end of the performance, conductor Christoph König bowed deeply thrice to offer his respect to the victims of the earthquake.

Shenzhen Concert Hall was also actively involved in charity performances as part of their post-disaster efforts for Sichuan. Shenzhen and Sichuan Symphony Orchestras jointly organised a charity concert on 20 Jun 08. On 30 May 08, there was also an event ‘The Chinese Pride - Zhang Haochen Piano Solo Recital’ from which all proceeds went to disaster relief contributions. Zhang Haochen, 18, is a Chinese piano prodigy studying at the Curtis Institute of Music in the United States. Upon hearing the news of the earthquake in Sichuan, Zhang decided to change his performance to a charity concert instead. Zhang commented that he would like to contribute through his music. During the concert, he played several Chinese musical pieces, related to Sichuan, in addition to the scheduled programme.

The staff of Shenzhen Concert Hall also volunteered themselves for Front-of-House services during this meaningful charity concert. For once, no ushers and customer service personnel were employed for the performance. Instead, patrons were greeted by management staff of Shenzhen Concert Hall as they filled the hall.

In addition, Shenzhen also launched a "Send your encouragement to Sichuan” campaign from 30 May to 1 Aug 08. All patrons to Shenzhen Concert Hall were issued cards on which they could pen down their blessings, wishes and words of encouragement for the people of Sichuan. At the end of the campaign, these 9999 cards would be sent to the disaster areas especially to young children and students, to encourage them to overcome their difficulties and rebuild their homes.

“During the post-disaster recovery phase as infrastructural reconstruction takes place, the emotional and psychological aspects of the disaster survivors will also need to be rebuilt. Much as reconstruction of infrastructure is challenging, emotional restoration is even more crucial and important. This is where the performing arts can play a part. This is when we can help the victims walk out of their shadows and regain confidence in their lives again,” said Wang Lei, General Manager of Shenzhen Concert Hall.

Such efforts and sentiments remind us what larger roles the arts can play in society. Putting aside notions of art for art's sake and concerns about funding for the arts, ticket sales, economic viability, audienceship levels and so on, we as arts administrators and leaders of our communities' arts industries may perhaps want to consistently view ourselves as part of a larger context. For not only do the arts possess the ability to bring hope, transform lives, heal and unite communities, they can also be a means through which resources may be channelled to those in need, particularly in times of crisis.