Art event to call for end to rhino horn use

Mrs Gayle, a member of TRAFFIC Intelligentmedia Behaviour Change Communication

TRAFFIC and DomDom - the Hub For Experimental Music& Artare holding a three-day event titled “Art & Your Social Status” to show entrepreneurs and local communities that artis a powerful and responsible way to demonstrate social status. The three-day is packed with exciting activities and is expected to attract more than 900 visitors.

“Some Vietnamese are motivated to consume illegally traded and endangered wildlife in the belief it confers status, but around the world it is widely acknowledged that art is a real symbol to affirm ones social status and wealth,” said Madelon Willemsen, Head of TRAFFIC in Viet Nam.

“This art exhibition is part of TRAFFIC’s strategy to reduce the demand for endangered wildlife such as rhino horn by promoting appreciation of beautiful artwork as a means to promote the wealth and sophistication of the influential and successful members of Vietnamese society.”

During the opening of the Art exhibition, guests will enjoy cocktails, canapés, and live music while meeting featured artists and networking with other esteemed inpiduals. Curators will guide the invited guests through the exhibit art pieces and provide information on how people can build up an art portfolio that displays wealth and status and at the same can provide the opportunity for a sound investment.

A silent auction will be held for the pieces on display throughout the three days. The second day will feature award-winning movies from Freeland’s Wildfest 2015. Marcus Manh Cuong Vu, the campaign manager of Wildfest 2015, will host a chatshow. The third day of the exhibition will end with the announcement of the silent auction winners and a special orchestral performance from the Hanoi New Music Ensemble.

Speaking at the event, Mr Nguyen Xuan Phu, Chi Initiative Ambassador, said: “As a reputable businessman and an active member of entrepreneurs associations, I will organize activities calling for people to join hands to participate in activities promoting zero-tolerance to consumption illegal wildlife trade. In particular, I will support Vietnam enterprises together with Sunhouse Group to integrate a zero-tolerance of wildlife crime into the business sector’s Corporate Social Responsibility policies. This not only helps those businesses to avoid business risks but also improves their reputation and standing which are key to sustainable development”.

Mr Nguyen Xuan Phu speaks at the event

The overarching message of the Chi initiative is that Vietnamese men succeed from their inner strength. Chi is a creative social communication campaign that was launched by Traffic and Intelligentmedia Behaviour Change Communication organization, reflecting the idea that you gain prosperity from your inner strength, and invite hardship by using rhino horn.

Through research on consumer behaviour, TRAFFIC Intelligentmedia Behaviour Change Communication organization have identified how “conspicuous consumption” of threatened wildlife parts, such as rhino horn, is used in an attempt to confer social status. However, it is illegal under international and national laws and the demand for the products in Viet Nam and Asia is driving a poaching crisis in Africa and threatens species like the rhinoceros with extinction.

Thu Hang