FWD Engages Community Care Partners for Official Launch of House 1881

To celebrate the official opening of House 1881 in May, FWD Group (“FWD”) is collaborating with its local CSR partner, Special Olympics Hong Kong (“SOHK”) and local Hong Kong charity St. James’ Settlement to create a unique art piece called “The.Dovecote@1881”.

Intended to honour the heritage of the site and engage the community, the art installation pays tribute to the former Marine Police Headquarters. Designed by home-grown artist and upcycling activist Kevin Cheung, the artwork draws inspiration from the original pigeon houses that were once a common feature – and a primary form of communication – at the former Marine Police Headquarters.

Using discarded wooden wine boxes collected from the property to promote sustainability, around 30 athlete leaders from SOHK and members of St. James’ Settlement joined to handcraft 330 individual pigeon houses. These unique pigeon boxes will be artfully arranged within a bamboo-constructed tunnel and unveiled at the official House 1881 opening ceremony on May 8 this year.

This latest project is one of several ongoing initiatives FWD has launched to help Hong Kong’s disadvantaged. In completing the project, FWD hopes the athlete leaders from SOHK and members of St. James’ Settlement could be able to develop their potential, build their confidence and cultivate social interactions.

“This initiative reflects FWD’s commitment to engage the community in meaningful ways. It brings us great joy and fulfillment to give the participants a unique opportunity to cultivate both practical and social skills,” said Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer of FWD. “This artwork will commemorate a new chapter for this landmark site while honouring its heritage and will be a centerpiece for House 1881’s official opening ceremony.”

“It’s an honour to help create this art installation for House 1881’s official opening,” explained artist Kevin Cheung. “The piece celebrates the rich history of the location, but is also designed to promote sustainability. The project had special significance for me as it gave me an opportunity to collaborate with athlete leaders from SOHK and members of St. James’ Settlement and gives added depth and meaning to the art piece.”