Every year, tens of thousands of people are affected by floods in Malaysia. Some lives are missing and lost. Others had their houses washed away by the gushing waters. Many are displaced caused by the natural disaster.

This year may be of no different. The Meteorology Department has issued a weather alert on the monsoon season which will hit the various states up to March next year.

Concerned with the well-being of those who will be afflicted by the monsoon, Galeri Prima is collaborating for the first time with Segaris Art Center under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) banner to hold a charity exhibition titled ALTRUISM.

More than 50 established and emerging artists are participating in this charity exhibition, which is aimed at raising funds to aid communities in need.

Altruism or selflessness is the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. It is also an act of willingness to do things that bring advantages to others.

Galeri Prima decided to co-organise the charity exhibition as one of the core corporate philosophies of its custodian, The New Straits Times Press, is its commitment to its readers that people matters. In essence, this is what Galeri Prima is about. It is an art gallery with a heart.

This is reflected in the many ways in which NSTP has reached out to the community; in helping the physically and financially challenged, in meeting the educational  needs of the youth and in doing its utmost to strengthen the cords that hold Malaysians together. 

NSTP has been providing a platform for the general public to donate towards disaster victims via the Tabung Bencana NSTP-Media Prima, a charity devoted for disaster relief and to offer financial assistance to victims of wars/conflicts.

This is also the aim of Segaris Art Center which is expanding its CSR strategy to help the needy. Segaris Art Center is known for its CSR effort in promoting the young Malaysian artists, which concurrently helps building-up their name in the art scene. The establishment of its gallery is to provide a platform for the budding, emerging and established artists to showcase their talents.  

This CSR initiative is also part of Segaris Art Center goal, in which to promote the act of philanthropy through art. 

A portion of the proceeds raised from ALTRUISM will be donated to the Tabung Bencana NSTP – Media Prima. The proceeds will help to alleviate the suffering and the burden of the people affected by the floods and will also benefit those who may be affected in the future.

Both galleries have meticulously selected 80 works of art from senior masters, eminent contemporary artists and the young rising stars. They are: Abu Bakar Idris, Abu Bakar Sabran, Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Aiman Asyran, Azizi Latif, Azizul Nasir, Azizi Ali, Azrin Mohd, Aiman Adha, Daud Rahim, Ed Roger Rosily, Faiz Yunus, Fawwaz Shukri, Faiz Zainal Abidin, Faizal Suhif, Fatimah Chik, Fauzulyusri, Fazrin Abdul Rahman, Fendy Zakri, Hafiz Ghapor, Hamdan Shaarani, Haziq Syawal, Idrus Rani, Ismail Awi, Insyrah Mohd Ismail, Jaafar Taib, Jamil Mat Isa, Johan Marjonid, Kalsom Muda, Khairul Azmir Shoib, Khairul Arshad, Lina Tan, Mat Akhir, Mat Ali Mat Som, Mohd Bakir Baharom, Nasir Che Din, Nazlishah, Rafiee Ghani, Rahman Amin, Ramlan Abdullah, Rizo Leong, Romli Mahmud, Sabihis Md Pandi, Safar Zin, Shafee Ramli, Sharulniza Zaini, Siti Fatimah Saironi, Suzlee Ibrahim, Syahmi Jamaluddin, Syed Fakaruddin, Syukur Rani, Suddin Lappo, Tuan Azimuddin, Yusri Sulaiman, Zaharin Mohammad, Zaim Durulaman and Zainon Abdullah.

Individuals, collectors and corporates are invited to be part of this charity drive. Their act of benevolence will not only alleviate the sufferings of the people but also benefits the artists and contributes to the growth of Malaysian art.

These amazing works of art can be viewed at Galeri Prima, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur from 20 November – 8 December 2017. Opening hours are 10am – 6pm. It is opened on weekends by appointment only. The opening night will be held on 29 November, 8pm – 10pm.

This charity exhibition is jointly organised by Galeri Prima and Segaris Art Center and brought to you by New Straits Times in support of Tabung Bencana NSTP Media Prima.