A series of art and cultural events drawn from and inspired by the Buddhist traditions. The events, to be presented in London from Saturday 25 April to Sunday 17 May, will include visual arts, artist talks, dance, films and more.

The purpose of this series is to instil and encourage a better understanding and appreciation of Buddhism, its basic messages of interdependence and compassion, and their numerous connections to all aspects of our lives.

The Many Faces of Buddhism is presented in London by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, a Hong Kong based philanthropic organisation committed to foster and support broadly Chinese arts and culture. Working towards these goals with a global perspective, the Foundation supports art and Buddhist programmes both in its home base and internationally.

For more information, click here

Events at the V&A:

An International Forum on Buddhism and the Arts Today
Sat 25 Apr 2pm – 5.30pm
The forum aims to develop a shared and stronger understanding of the area in which contemporary art practice resonates with Buddhist thought. It includes contributions from international contemporary artists including Lin Hwai-min, choreographer and founder of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre in Taiwan; Meredith Monk, the American composer, singer, and choreographer; African-American artist Sanford Biggers; and South Korean artist Kimsooja. Jacquelynn Baas, independent scholar and Director Emeritus of the University of California Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive will be moderating the forum.

Gallery of Buddhist Sculptures in Asia
Opens Wed 29 Apr
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Gallery, the first gallery for Buddhist sculpture in the UK will display highlights from the V&A’s world-class collection of Buddhist sculpture ranging from monumental Chinese temple sculptures to small portable gilded Buddhas and will include rare pieces which will go on display in the Museum for the first time. The Gallery will tell the story of the life of the Buddha and the spread of Buddhism from India to the other regions of Asia.

A Day of Rare Buddhist Dances
Fri 1 May 11am – 9pm
Produced by Joseph Houseal, Executive Director of Core of Culture Dance Preservation based in Chicago, these performances will take place in the V&A’s spectacular Raphael Gallery, and will be presented on two special stages: a recreation of a Noh stage and a Sri Lankan folk altar. Four different Buddhist dance traditions from India, Japan, Nepal and Sri Lanka will be presented in two cycles at 11am and 4.30pm. A Talk by Joseph Houseal on Buddhist Sacred Dance Traditions will be
held on Wed 29 Apr 1.15pm–2pm at the V&A.