EXHIBITS CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS 1999 ON DISPLAY AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, 11 SEPTEMBER TO 21 OCTOBER

Press Release
PI/1183/Rev.
SOC/4515/Rev.

EXHIBITS CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS 1999 ON DISPLAY AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, 11 SEPTEMBER TO 21 OCTOBER

Two exhibits celebrating the International Year of Older Persons will be on display at United Nations Headquarters from 11 September to 21 October. The International Year was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. The objective of the Year is to raise awareness of the fast-changing demographic picture of older persons worldwide, to stimulate debate and promote action strategies, and to encourage research and information exchange.

The first, World Artists at the Millennium, an exhibition of paintings and sculpture by thirty-five distinguished artists from around the world, has been on view at United Nations Headquarters from 11 September and will continue until 18 October. This exhibition honours the aesthetic achievements of mature artists in recognition of the United Nations "International Year of Older Persons 1999."

The multiple perspectives on view presents a global vision of recent artistic activity. Leading American modernists such as Kenneth Noland and Jesus Rafael Soto present their recent works alongside colleagues from Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The accumulated histories of these artists make this exhibition a unique opportunity to experience the dynamic aesthetic changes encouraged by modern art worldwide. The exhibit is presented by the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts, with the cooperation of the United Nations Department of Public Information and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. A private viewing of this exhibit will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on 30 September.

The second, a photographic exhibit titled "A Society For All Ages", produced by the United Nations Department of Public Information as part of the celebration of the the International Year of Older Persons 1999, will be on display at United Nations Headquarters beginning 22 September 1999. The exhibit photos explode the myths about older persons being patients or pensioners who are dependent on others, inactive and non-productive. They portray older persons as active and productive in society, as politicians, mentors, teachers and care-givers. The exhibit celebrates the contributions of older persons to society and their participation in society as agents and beneficiaries of development.

Thérèse Gastaut, Director of the Public Affairs Division, Department of Public Information, will open both exhibits on 30 September, 5 p.m., in the Public Lobby, as part of the observance of the International Day of Older Persons (1 October). Both exhibits are open to open Visitors, media, UN staff and Delegations.

For further information, contact Shala Mokgethi, tel: (212) 963-8104; or Jan Arnesen, tel: (212) 963-8531.

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