HÀ NỘI — TRAFFIC and Đom Đóm -- the hub for experimental music & art -- yesterday opened an art exhibition titled "Gravity" at the Hà Nội Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre in Hà Nội.

The event was part of a three-day contemporary art exhibition titled “Art & Your Social Status” to promote zero-tolerance towards illegal wildlife consumption on the occasion of World Rhino Day (September 22).

“Some Vietnamese are influenced to consume illegally traded and endangered wildlife parts in the belief it confers status, but around the world it is widely acknowledged that art is the real symbol to affirm one’s social status and wealth,” Madelon Willemsen, head of TRAFFIC in Việt Nam, said.

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

 “As a reputable businessman and an active member of entrepreneur associations, I call people to join hands to participate in activities promoting zero-tolerance to the illegal wildlife trade in Việt Nam,” Nguyễn Xuân Phú, Chí Initiative ambassador, said at the event.

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

Chí (Strength of Will) Initiative is a creative social communication campaign launched by TRAFFIC and Intelligentmedia Behaviour Change Communication Organisation to spread the message that the success of the Vietnamese people lies in their inner strength.

Rhino horns are mainly used by wealthy individuals as a supposed health tonic and as a means to flaunt their wealth. The buying and selling of rhino horns is illegal under international and Việt Nam law. — VNS