Art Exhibit in New Zealand- May 20-26

The "State of the Heart: Peace and Harmony Towards the New Century" exhibition, organized by SGI-New Zealand, was held from May 20 to 26 in Wellington, New Zealand. Renowned artists as well as ordinary people from all over the country exhibited artworks which expressed their desire for peace in the 21st century.

The purpose of the exhibit, which was the first public event held by SGI in Wellington, was to encourage people to feel hope, inspiration and courage and a desire to challenge the difficulties that lie before us as we rapidly approach the 21st century.

His Excellency The Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Michael Hardie Boys formally opened the exhibition which began with a Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand) ceremony of innovation. In his speech, the Governor General commented that "people everywhere long for peace, for harmony between nations, between races, between cultures, between neighbors. This exhibition expresses that longing."

Sonja Davies, a well-known activist, said that she had met SGI members at peace conferences all over the world and was delighted to discover that SGI existed in New Zealand. She also said that New Zealand had a lot to learn from Buddhism about establishing peace .

The exhibit was positively received by the public and was covered on local TV and radio as well as in daily and weekly newspapers. Through this event the SGI was able to further promote peace, culture and education and to deepen the bonds of friendship between likeminded individuals seeking the path to harmony and peace in New Zealand and the world.