AOAart

Autistic or Artistic? Art, also known as AOAart, is an organization created by the Beijing Rehabilitation Association of Autistic Children, which allows autistic individuals to express their originality and personality through art. The society aims to raise awareness of autism while supporting individuals in realizing their self-worth and becoming part of a community with their own power, thus regaining pride and dignity for autistic people.

The aim of AOAart is to regain pride and dignity for autistic people, support autistic people in realizing their self-worth, and return to the community with their own power. Through social interaction with autistic people, AOAart aims to stimulate humanistic reflection and re-evaluate human conditions and values.

Timeline

2 April 2008 The first annual "World Autism Awareness Day". The organization held the first exhibition, "Love Beneath an Azure Sky", featuring paintings by autistic children. This national exhibition was the first to address autistic children in China.

April 2008 AOAart's website was established.

2009 AOAart's BBS This was established for better discussions on autistic art tutoring. AOAart is short for "Autistic or Artistic". As the name suggests, it encourages people to rethink general attitudes about people with autism and their abilities.

1–6 April 2009 AOAart held the 2nd Exhibition "Love Beneath an Azure Sky", featuring paintings by autistic children.

April 2010 To promote the independence and self-improvement of autistic people, the first brand for autistic individuals, AOAart, was established. They experimentally used artwork to produce cups and T-shirts. The income contributed to the treatment of autistic children.

2 April 2010 AOAart held the 3rd Exhibition "Love Beneath an Azure Sky", featuring paintings by autistic children.

2–16 April 2011 AOAart held the 4th Exhibition "Love Beneath an Azure Sky", featuring paintings by autistic children.

16 September 2011 AOAart was invited by "Art Beijing" to sign with a professional art gallery. This was a significant moment, signifying the recognition of autistic people's artwork by society.

31 March 2012 AOAart Studio was founded in the 798 Art District. This was the first professional art institution to address autistic people. The studio's responsibilities included advertising, organizing exhibitions, providing guidance and treatment, and offering volunteer training services.

April 2012 The fifth "Love Beneath an Azure Sky" exhibition introduced externally produced art by autistic individuals into China. They also invited renowned artists to review the art.

1 June 2012 AOAart Studio partnered with the 798 Art District to hold the "International Children's Art Week", promoting the cohesion of autistic and neurotypical communities.

20 June 2012 AOAart was invited by the Hoffer-launay Education Center in Paris, France to display a fresco of autistic paintings. Several French media outlets reported on the event. This international collaboration focused on disabled children's art activities and helped popularize the organization's work globally.

2–7 April 2013 AOAart held the 6th Exhibition "Love Beneath an Azure Sky", featuring paintings by autistic children.

September–December 2013 Artworks by autistic children were exhibited in seven high schools, and art prints were sold on merchandise. The income supported services for autistic people.

25 September 2013 A shakuhachi concert was held as a fundraising event.

27 September 2013 A rubber duck sketch competition saw autistic children participating as guests at Beijing Design Week. Singer Allen Lin was also invited to the event.

4 November 2013 AOAart collaborated with "Star Bunny Love" (a fashion brand by model Chenbige) for a charity bazaar at IZZUE's shop in Beijing. Halloween cloaks, baked goods, and hand-painted T-shirts were created by autistic children and volunteers.

6 November 2013 A workshop between AOAart and Intel was held in Beijing.

14 December 2013 Two painting charity auctions were organized. The first, organized by 10 families, sold 17 paintings, including original pieces from the AOAart Studio, and raised over 60,000 yuan (US$9,930). A second auction at the 2013 International Wedding Fashion Week sold 3 paintings by the children and raised over 20,000 yuan (US$3,310).

Services

Classes

AOAart.cn offers 5 types of weekly classes. Each term lasts for 3 months. Students who complete two terms of a course will be asked to take a break.

1. Interest Developing Class: This course aims to help children discover their passions through various materials and activities.

2. Music & Painting Class: Music is played while children paint in this class, which also includes basic vocal training.

3. General Art Treatment: This course addresses behavioral and mental issues through art. Children build trust with teachers and develop social skills. A variety of activities are included, such as painting, clay modeling, and basic dance.

4. Training for Professional Art: This class is for children with potential or interest in professional art, providing tailored guidance from professional artists.

5. Handicrafts Making: Both autistic adults and children create handicrafts that are sold.

AOAart.jp

Early July 2013 "24-Hour Project" in Tokyo, Japan (AOAart.uk and AOAart.jp collaboration event)

10–18 July 2013 "Communication without Language" Exhibition at Nagareyama Shougai Gakushu Center in Chiba (AOAart.uk and AOAart.jp collaboration event)

14 July 2013 Painting workshop at Nagareyama Shougai Gakushu Center in Chiba, Japan

15 July 2013 Guest talk at Nagareyama Shougai Gakushu Center in Chiba, Japan

9 October – 13 October ASIA PARAART TOKYO 2013 AOAart participated in ASIA PARAART TOKYO 2013, displaying paintings and writings by disabled artists from Asian countries. Works from 600 international and 400 Japanese artists were submitted; 222 were selected for display, including 5 pieces from AOAart.cn.

AOAart.uk

28 March 2013 Establishment of AOAart.uk (UK branch of AOAart) in London

24 April 2013 Painting workshop with home education students in Oxford, UK

May–June 2013 Launch of "24-Hour Project" in London

3 June 2013 "Communication without Language" Exhibition at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, Archway, London

6–10 December 2013 AOAart X Dear Lola first collaboration garment ss2014 showcase at Birmingham Clothes Show 2013

Upcoming Events 2014 AOAart X Dear Lola fw2014 collaboration collection Painting Workshop at CASS ART (To be confirmed)

AOAart.kr

Mid June 2013 "24-Hour Project" in Seoul, Korea (AOAart.uk and AOAart.kr collaboration event)

29 June 2013 Art performance by Professor Kim Hye-Kyun from Woosong University with Yuhi Shimomura (former AOAart.uk member, now a member of AOAart.jp), Seoul, Korea "24-Hour Project" in Seoul, Korea

References

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