Media Release

Whose art is it? Art collection with a twist at The Love of Art, supporting medical research at the University of Adelaide. Full Image (128.88K)

Monday, 19 October 2009

The Florey Medical Research Foundation's annual art show, The Love of Art, will this year support important heart research at the University of Adelaide.

The Love of Art has become a major event for art collectors, with a number of established and emerging artists and celebrities all contributing artworks to help raise funds for medical research.

This is an art show with a twist - each artist signs their work on the back, and the identity of who painted the work remains a mystery until after it has been purchased. Each work is the same size (50cm x 40cm) and all are priced at $300.

"Part of the excitement is to purchase paintings that are not only loved for art's sake, but may have been created by someone `known' or soon to become famous," says Kerry House, Fundraising Manager for the Florey Medical Research Foundation.

Funds raised at this year's event will support research being conducted by University of Adelaide medical student Chris Wong. He is undertaking research into a common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation. The quality of his research last year won him one of the nation's top cardiovascular prizes for scientific knowledge. His supervisor is Professor Prash Sanders, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Adelaide and Director of the Cardiovascular Research Centre at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Cardiovascular disease - including heart, stroke and blood vessel diseases - is the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 34% of all deaths in 2006.

"Anything the community can do to help raise all-important funding for research will go a long way towards helping to save lives and lift this enormous burden on the community," says Professor Sanders. "We are very pleased to be the recipient of funds from The Love of Art 2009, and we are grateful to the Florey Medical Research Foundation for its ongoing work."

The Florey Medical Research Foundation was established in 1992 and named in honour of Nobel Prize winner and University of Adelaide medical graduate Lord Howard Florey. The Foundation is committed to the support of research projects of the highest merit and relevance.

WHAT: The Love of Art 2009 Exhibition
WHERE: Bonython Hall, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide
WHEN: 6.30pm Wednesday 28 October
COST: $30 entry fee. All artworks priced at $300.
Email kerry.house@adelaide.edu.au or call +61 8 8303 3995