The Consumer Banking and Wholesale Banking departments of Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria united with the Group’s Private Bank team sponsored an auction of African artworks organised by Art house Contemporary recently.
This sponsorship according to the bank is in aid of Seeing is Believing (SiB) in Nigeria, The first partnership between the Bank and Art house Contemporary took place in May last year, during which over $72,000 was raised towards the eradication of avoidable blindness in Nigeria. With the Bank matching contributions, over 3,000 cataract and glaucoma surgeries and 15,000 screenings took place in Nigeria in 2012.
In addition, vital surgical equipment was donated and over 300 health workers trained in relevant eye-care areas.
Launched in 2003 to celebrate the Bank’s 150th anniversary, SiB is Standard Chartered’s global initiative to tackle avoidable blindness in communities across its footprint, especially among children, and to raise awareness of blindness and visual impairment.
Since 2003, SiB has reached over 31 million people in over 17 countries through the provision of services to prevent and treat blindness and educate communities about eye health. Through donations from customers, clients and staff, the Bank has contributed to 2.86 million sight restorations and raised more than $55million, including bank matching funds.
This money has gone on to provide funding for 80 projects globally. Speaking at the auction, Stephen Richards-Evans, Head Private Banking, West said, “The personal service delivered by our African Private Bankers is with our clients in mind. Our Private Bankers are experienced and passionate relationship managers with extensive knowledge and understanding to appreciate the clients’ needs and aspirations. With over 180 years of private banking experience, the African relationship team aims to deliver the ‘One bank initiative’ in which clients have access to other services that meet their needs, within Standard Chartered through service excellence..”
The Managing Director of Arthouse Contemporary, Kevita Chellaram disclosed that the ultimate goal of Arthouse Contemporary is to promote Nigerian art, create transparent pricing and ultimately take the art to the international arena.
Speaking about Standard Chartered’s sponsorship of the auction she noted, “We are delighted Standard Chartered Bank chose to sponsor the Arthouse Contemporary’s auction for the second year in a row in aid of Seeing is Believing.
