************************************************************
New Zealand artist, Jane Mason, today (September 13) announced the opening of her first Asia venture, Jane Mason Studios (Asia) Limited, to be located in Hong Kong. The launch of the studio was celebrated with an exhibition of her paintings, held in conjunction with the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
Under the theme, "Dance with me" the exhibition showcased an installation of the artist's latest works. Jane Mason Studios is no stranger to Hong Kong, where the artist's rich, abstract pieces adorn the walls of famous hotels, restaurants and clubs as well as the homes of private collectors.
"It was demand from my Asia-based clients that encouraged me to set up a permanent presence in Hong Kong," Ms Mason explained. "Hong Kong offers a combination of fascinating creativity and inspiration, coupled with a strong and sophisticated market of art lovers," she added.
"For an artist, Hong Kong is a leading light in Asia. It is the city where architects, designers and the hospitality industry meet - where the pace of life and business is fast and success is measured in months not years," she added.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin welcomed the launch of the company. "Hong Kong offers a combination of advantages that create an ideal platform for a company such as this: a strong and affluent local client base of individual and corporate art-lovers, as well as strong regional links which will allow Jane to extend her client base across China and the rest of the region," Mr Galpin said.
"AmCham supports the arts in Hong Kong and encourages locally based artists through its 'AmCham Gallery' program, which brings art and commerce together in our Central offices," said Jack Maisano, president of AmCham. "We are delighted to partner with Jane and with InvestHK in this launch."
Jane Mason Studios are based in New Zealand and Hong Kong. The artist works closely with designers, architects and art lovers to create pieces which reflect the style and preference of the client, and which are suitable for larger venues or more intimate settings.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is a non-partisan, non-profit business organisation, with more than 2,000 corporate and individual members. The Chamber espouses core values such as private enterprise, free trade, rule of law, ethical and responsible business practices, business and government transparency and the free flow of information. For more information about the AmCham, please visit www.amcham.org.hk.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing the support needed to establish or expand a business presence here. For more information: www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, September 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:00
NNNN
