National Gallery Singapore: Family of Ng Teng Fong Donates $20 Million to Art Development

                                                         

The National Gallery Singapore has announced the family of the late Ng Teng Fong, founder of Far East Organisation, as its fifth founding partner. The Ng family’s $20 million donation will contribute to the Gallery’s research, curatorial and exhibition work, with a focus on outdoor presentations of commissioned art.

To commemorate the partnership, the Gallery’s roof garden exhibition space located at Level 5 of the City Hall Wing will be named Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery.  This Gallery will also feature the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission series.

National Gallery Singapore CEO Ms Chong Siak Ching said, “The philanthropic contribution from the Ng family will boost our efforts in engaging more visitors with inspiring and differentiated art experiences. By taking exhibitions out of typical gallery spaces, we want to challenge talented artists to create thought-provoking pieces that will be presented against a canvas of lush greenery at the roof garden. This is one of the many ways that we will refresh the way that visitors experience art within the museum.”

The first Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission will be created by Danh Vo as part of the Gallery’s Imagining Southeast Asia programme. It will feature annual site-specific commissions by leading artists that relate to the curatorial narratives of the museum’s collections and permanent galleries. Vo’s art draws on his personal experience to explore broader historical, social and political themes. Most recently, Vo represented Denmark at Venice Biennale 2015.

The family of the late Mr Ng Teng Fong said, “Our family is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be associated with the National Gallery Singapore, an invaluable national heritage and an exciting new icon of Singapore’s evolving arts landscape.

“This gift is made in grateful thanksgiving to God for His grace upon the life of our father. We thank the National Gallery for naming the Gallery’s roof garden and exhibition series after our late father, as a meaningful way to remember him. It is our hope that the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery and Commission will be an inspiring environment that brings art to all amidst a verdant green landscape.”
 
The roof garden is the result of restoration works to preserve the architectural authenticity and character of the former Supreme Court and City Hall. Spanning 3,000 square metres, the garden features a five-metre tall vertical green wall and overlooks the Civic District. The first admission-free exhibition at the roof garden is scheduled to open April 2016.



ABOUT NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE
National Gallery Singapore is a new visual arts institution which oversees the largest public collection of modern art of Singapore and Southeast Asia. The Gallery is dedicated to collaborative research, education and exhibitions, highlighting the importance of modern art in Southeast Asia in a global context. The Gallery also provides a unique visitor experience through its art presentations and innovative programming, positioning Singapore as a regional and international hub for the visual arts.

Situated in the heart of the Civic District, the National Gallery Singapore has been beautifully restored and transformed from the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings – two important heritage buildings of Singapore’s nationhood – into an exciting new visual arts venue. Opening in November 2015, the Gallery will be a leading civic and cultural destination established for the enrichment, enjoyment and engagement of Singapore residents and visitors from all over the world. Information on the National Gallery is available at www.nationalgallery.sg.

The endangered kakapo

© Kakapo by Janet Luxton. www.janetluxton.com.au ©

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kakapo-hope-for-a-future#/story

The Spectacular Treasures of Northern Greece

One of the World Heritage-listed Byzantine monasteries of Meteora in Greece, the Agia Triada. 

From Mount Olympus to the Aegean Sea.

Archaeological and cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels will explore some of the greatest treasures of Greece this year, heading away from the island crowds to reveal the extraordinary history of the region of Macedonia.

A new 14-day expedition, From the Slopes of Mount Olympus to the Shores of the Aegean explores the region through its archaeology, food and wine, linking some of the most spectacular scenery of northern Greece with a rich history dating back thousands of years. 

Hosted by archaeologists and historians Heinrich Hall and Dr Maria Girtzi, the tour was chosen by London’s Sunday Times as one of its top 100 holidays.  It will be held from September 2 to 15, 2015, travelling through beautiful and unusually diverse landscapes, from lofty mountains to fertile plains and the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Catering to no more than 16 people, the tour provides a chance to explore grand archaeological sites, mighty castles, serene monasteries, labyrinthine villages and the great city of Thessaloniki, home to many different cultures during its 2300-year history.

It includes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vergina, where Alexander the Great was proclaimed king and where visitors can view the lavish treasures of the tomb of his father, Phillip II. The tour also visits Meteora, renowned for its striking mountain landscapes in which ancient Byzantine monasteries sit precariously atop sandstone pillars.

Along the way, guests will experience the region’s culture through its food and wine, enjoying excellent meals at specially chosen venues and some of the wines that have emerged from the recent Greek winemaking revival.

From the Slopes of Mount Olympus to the Shores of the Aegean <http://www.petersommer.com/escorted-archaeological-tours/greece/macedonia-thessaloniki/>  operates from September 2 to 15, 2015, and costs £3595 per person (approx A$7220), including transport, accommodation, most meals, expert guides, airport transfers and all entrance fees. Excludes airfares.

For full details and bookings contact Peter Sommer Travels in the UK on 0011 44 1600 888 220, email info@petersommer.com <mailto:info@petersommer.com>  or visit www.petersommer.com <http://www.petersommer.com> . 
  

Source: Press release, MG Media.

http://www.bluecockatoo.com.au/video.php

Wedding Cake Tree

Wedding Cake Tree: Cornus controversa 'Variegata' ©AP

Seen today in a private garden! UK Summer 2015

The Mira Hong Kong – Tsukiji Market Theme Nights at Yamm

Tsukiji Market Theme Nights at Yamm

4 June 2015, Hong Kong: Harking back to its origin as a Japanese specialised restaurant, Yamm’s Tsukiji market-themed dinner buffet showcases cuisine from Japan on every first Friday of June, July, August and September. From jet-fresh sushi and sashimi assembled in front of your eyes to live cooking stations of teppanyaki, yakitori, ramen, the award-winning buffet restaurant of The Mira Hong Kong brings the buzz and the freshness of the world famous fish market in Tokyo with a buffet that’s all about Japanese essence and authenticity of flavor.

Among live cooking stations, chefs’ recommendations include hearty Bara Chirashi; fiery Japanese Green Chili (Shishito) yakitori; sushi of Salmon, Tuna, and Roasted Beef with Salt and Garlic; sashimi of Red Prawn (Aka Ebi), Hokkaido Scallop (Ike Hotate), Uni, Yellow Tail (Hamachi), Tilefish (Amadai) and Amberjack (Kanpachi); plus delicate and crispy tempura of shrimp, Enoki Mushrooms and Soft Shell Crab; as well as perfectly cooked teppanyaki of Wagyu Beef with Garlic and Onion, and Japanese Scallop. To complete the range of Japanese dining a choice of noodles will be served on the Udon & Ramen Station.

The myriad Japanese specialties will be complete with Yamm’s signature freshly shucked French and US oysters, fresh Boston lobsters, crab legs on ice, pan fried foie gras, international cheese and cold cuts, a choice of pan-Asian hot dishes and a decadent dessert corner with striking green Matcha White Chocolate Fountain and a full range of Japan-inspired sweets such as Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake, Cotton Japanese Cheesecake, Black Sesame Creme Brulee, Yuzu Pie and a live station of Roasted Sweet Potato Waffle. To complete the dining experience a selection of Japanese sake will be available.

Available on 5 June (Fri), 3 July (Fri), 7 August (Fri), 4 September (Fri), from 6:30pm till 10:00pm.
HK$788 (Adult) HK$498 (Child)

Yamm, G/F Lobby, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui

Online bookings with instant confirmation at: www.themirahotel.com <http://www.themirahotel.com>
WhatsApp instant bookings at: +852 9049 7122
For booking enquiries, please contact +852 2315 5111 or dining@themirahotel.com

Exclusive occupancy Àni Villas opening in Anguilla, Thailand and Sri Lanka ...

Àni Villas Anguilla South Villa Master Bedroom

Mine, all mine, anitime!

Àni Villas presents a totally private destination experience with guests having exclusive occupancy of the beautifully-appointed villas at each of the locations – Anguilla in the Caribbean's West Indies, Thailand's Koh Yao Noi Island and Sri Lanka.

Ani Art Academies is a global non-profit organisation supported by the Tim Reynolds Foundation, funded by Àni Villas owner, Tim Reynolds. The academies use an intensive multi-year curriculum, developed by master painter Anthony J. Waichulis, to provide oil-painting and drawing instruction to dedicated up-and-coming local artists. The villas provide a venue to expose the artists' work to guests and other people holidaying in the regions.

“Our locations are chosen for their idyllic, exotic natural beauty, as well as for the role that the accompanying Ani Art Academies can have on the surrounding communities,”said Àni Villas Chief Executive Officer, Ira Bloom.

“We aim to have our guests leave the everyday world and their worries behind – letting our team help shape memorable escapes of relaxation and adventure and introduce the best our destinations have to offer – be it local beaches, cuisine, culture, sports or other activities,”

Àni Villas destinations offer a full service team including concierge, butler, chef, housekeepers and security. Rates are inclusive of breakfast lunch and dinner each day, spirits, house wines, soft drinks, juices, daily snacks, cocktail service and mini bar. Complimentary activities also include cooking classes, daily children’s activity program, laundry, international phone calls, high-speed WiFi and unlimited movie and music streaming plus other inclusive special options at each location.

Àni Villas Anguilla
Àni Villas Anguilla in the Caribbean, West Indies presents a 4-bedroom North Villa and
6-bedroom South Villa perched on breathtaking cliffs with full ocean views overlooking Little Bay. Each villa has been designed in contemporary style by architect, Lee Skolnick and offers spacious accommodation, an enclosed kitchen and dining room, open lounge, private pool, roof deck and cliff top deck with hot tub. The South Villa also includes a ceremony platform. In addition to the standard inclusive components offered by Àni Villas, guests can enjoy complimentary paddle boarding, snorkelling, bike rides on trails by the villas and on dirt trails plus unlimited tennis and classes with the in-house professional. The majority of guests access the property flying into St Maarten and transferring via a 20-minute boat ride to Anguilla. Rates range from USD5000 per night for 4 bedrooms.

Àni Villas Thailand – Opening 1 June 2015
Àni Villas Thailand is a stunning 10-bedroom beachfront estate situated on the island of Koh Yao Noi and offering views of the dramatic limestone karst formations of Phang Nga Bay. The property’s remarkable design from Naga Concepts was inspired by the temples of Northern Thailand. In addition to the standard inclusive components offered by Àni Villas, guests can enjoy complimentary treatments in the property’s spa. The estate also offers a 30-metre oceanfront swimming pool, water slide and children’s pool, fitness centre and watersports equipment. Guests are transferred to the property from Phuket International Airport or Krabi Airport by helicopter (15 minutes) or private car and private or scheduled speedboat (50 minutes). Rates range from USD3250 per night for 6 bedrooms.

Àni Villas Sri Lanka – Opening 1 June 2015
Àni Villas Sri Lanka is a sprawling 15-bedroom beachfront compound, created by Reda Amalou and AW2 of Paris, and combining contemporary tropical architecture with the finest bespoke finishes and furnishings. Sitting atop a bluff on the central south coast of Sri Lanka, the property commands a panoramic view of an idyllic white-sand beach giving way to brilliant blue waters rolling in among headlands, reefs, and sandbars.  Àni Villas Sri Lanka offers spas with therapists on staff, oversized oceanfront pools and children’s pools with waterslides. An event pavilion and related facilities allow the property to host a wide range of events including weddings. Guests are transferred to the property from Colombo International Airport either by private car
(3 ½ hours) or charter seaplane (30 minutes). Rates range from USD2250 per night for 4 bedrooms.

For bookings at Àni Villas properties in Anguilla, Thailand and Sri Lanka contact Svetlana Jovanovic at The Unique Tourism Collection on svetlana@uniquetourism.com or
(02) 9211 6590.
www.anivillas.com
New website launching end of May 2015