11 Million Reasons Asian Premiere Exhibition in Hong Kong

Wednesday 21 September 2016

11 Million Reasons Asian Premiere Exhibition in Hong Kong
Salutes the Deaf and Disabled Community and Re-imagines Dance Scenes from Iconic Films

#11Millionreasons #BritishCouncilHK #PeopleDancing #PopsyModernKitchen #InclusiveDance

21 September 2016 (HONG KONG) – The British Council is proud to present the Asian premiere of 11 Million Reasons in Hong Kong in partnership with Popsy Modern Kitchen. Created by emerging disabled photographer Sean Goldthorpe from the UK, 11 Million Reasons pays tribute to Deaf and disabled people by positively profiling Deaf and disabled people in dance activity through 20 powerful, emotive, and humorous images inspired by iconic dance moments from classic films. The Asian premiere will take place at Popsy Modern Kitchen on 5 October 2016 and run until 20 November 2016.

Commissioned by People Dancing from the UK, the heart-warming exhibition aims to spark greater societal acceptance for these brave souls through the power of dance and artistic expression. ‘I named the exhibition 11 Million Reasons as of the time of making the UK government statistics stated that there were 11.6 million people registered as disabled,’ Louise Wildish, Producer of People Dancing explained. ‘Although this number is estimated to be much more than this, the term and title 11 Million Reasons seemed a way to fully represent disabled people and to send a message that disability affects most families in the UK. We wanted to change perceptions and for disabled people to see themselves within this campaign and ultimately be included in our dance community.’

The exhibition offers a different perspective on disability and dance, demonstrating how photography can reach audiences that would not normally access disability arts, and acting as a resource and inspiration to Deaf and disabled people who dance already, and those who would like to dance in the future.

‘Beautiful, powerful, humorous. From Singing in the Rain through Billy Elliot dancing in front of his dad to Flash Dance, these extraordinary images by Sean Goldthorpe brim over with life and affirmation, helping people consider and celebrate the energy, creativity and diversity of disabled people who dance,’ said Christopher Rawlings, Director, British Council, Hong Kong. ‘We are honoured to present the Asian premiere of 11 Million Reasons. The UK has a wealth of experience in accessible arts and practice, and the British Council is dedicated to inclusivity while showcasing excellence in the arts.’

Photographer Sean Goldthorpe added, ‘I hope people will look at these images and smile, sense what a great time we all had making them and see disabled dancers – and disabled people more generally – in a new and refreshing light. I hope 11 Million Reasons will encourage those who see it not to judge disabled people as being in any way different from themselves.’

In support of the exhibition, 6 short films titled Progression, Contemplation, Sensation, Inclusion, Motion, and Adaption featuring Deaf and disabled people who love to dance as part of their enjoyment of everyday life will be available for the digital audience. Get involved and explore more online resources of the exhibition on the British Council’s website: https://www.britishcouncil.hk/en/programmes/arts/11-million-reasons

Popsy Modern Kitchen will serve a signature art-food pairing menu especially designed by highly-decorated Chef de Cuisine Mark Sin for the duration of the exhibition. Six images from the exhibition have each inspired a stunning plate to match, and promise to be a feast for the soul, eyes and palate. To honour the best of British cuisine with a series of menus to suit any agenda, all dishes will be created using only British ingredients. The three-course Big Ben Express Lunch and three-course British Dinner Express of reimagined favourites are a convenient option for those seeking a quick bite, whilst the Great Tasting Experience is a six-course menu made up of dishes such as “Unreal” Shrimp Cocktail, the warm and hearty Shepherd’s Pie Philosophy, a delectable Scotch Egg served with corn espuma and pickled grapes, and a silky English Breakfast Tea Pudding – an elevated, lingering dining experience that is sure to impress.

Brunch fans will not want to miss the English Garden Brunch. Beginning with a medley of original bites, brunch is served with Seasonal Salad and Parmesan Biscuits, the Reinvented Cucumber Sandwich, the Sausage Roll and a variety of excellent British cold meats and English Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes. Following the main courses, the Tea Set, featuring Eton Mess, Banoffee Pie, Lemon Tart, British biscuits, Jam Tarts and Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce, is a real treat.

Notes to Editor

(1) 11 Million Reasons Asian Premiere Exhibition (Free admission)

Date:

5 October – 20 November 2016

Time:

Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 - 22.00 & Sunday 11.00 - 15.00, Monday closed

Venue:

Popsy Modern Kitchen

Address: 5/F The Wellington 198 Wellington Street Central Hong Kong

(2) About Popsy Modern Kitchen
Purveyors of an enchanting, visual dining experience, Popsy Modern Kitchen defines the space where art and contemporary comfort cuisine converge in a whimsical, relaxing and unforgettable sensory journey. At Popsy Modern Kitchen, guests unwind with a smile and experience harmony between the mind, the eyes and the palate, redefining the boundaries of what’s possible when art and food become one. Stunning flavours inspired by fresh produce and our Michelin-trained team of chefs await at Popsy Modern Kitchen, where everything from an intimate meal to grand occasions come to life through the power of artistic expression. Welcome to Popsy Modern Kitchen, where every day is a captivating reason to EAT MORE ART.

(3) About the Photographer
Sean Goldthorpe is a Leicester based emerging photographer. He is currently studying at De Montford University and has worked on a number of commissions including work for Curve Theatre, Leicester. Through Unlimited Impact funding, we engaged established professional photographer Drew Gardiner for a select period to mentor Sean to develop his skills in photography.

(4) About People Dancing
People Dancing is the development organisation and membership body for community and participatory dance, working across the UK and internationally. Established in 1986, People Dancing has more than 2,300 members and reaches 4,500 dance professionals worldwide. People Dancing’s leadership of the community dance network provides a platform for exchange, critical debate and peer learning. This exposes its members to diverse dance practices and new contacts, expanding their professional horizons and strengthening their professional identity.

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. Using the UK’s cultural resources we make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.

We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications.

Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. The majority of our income is raised delivering a range of projects and contracts in English teaching and examinations, education and development contracts and from partnerships with public and private organisations. Eighteen per cent of our funding is received from the UK government.