Our goal is to promote the development, understanding and valuing of diverse classical and modern art and music, particularly among the young and the disadvantaged. A portion of profits from Mark’s music recordings and book sales also contribute to the fund.

A.Art Exhibitions (Calligraphy, Painting, etc)
We promote calligraphy and art exhibitions to bring attention to our cultural heritage. Young people worldwide are often unaware of their cultural treasures. For example, Chinese youth increasingly use computers, avoid handwriting, and are unaware of the beauty of calligraphy.

We also help artists find buyers for their work, by offering a venue or opportunity to share with a broad audience. Art exhibitions of contemporary and even classical art can be staged in China and abroad. For example, bring Xian artwork to Kenya and second tier US cities.

This art exchange will encourage artists from Kenya, America or China to build awareness of different cultures among themselves and the general population. Established Chinese artists, for example, can visit Nairobi, Kenya and display their work, visit and experience tribal villages, seeing colorful clothes and traditional art, developing a dialogue with local artists and donating Kenyan inspired artwork to charities in Kenya and China through auctions, sales etc. They can exhibit their calligraphy and paintings to Nairobi citizens and artists, and visit various villages to understand and be inspired by local art and traditional culture, e.g painting the colorful costumes. A music event or book signing can be planned simultaneously, to draw additional donations for local orphanages and schools.

Who it benefits:
Ordinary Kenyans interested in Chinese culture. Also helps Chinese understand Kenyan culture, fostering greater understanding.

Support needed:
Minimum 300,000RMB (Approx US$40,000) covers plane fares, accommodation in Kenya and other travel expenses. Sponsors are also needed for local marketing, exhibition space and logistics.

B. Art Scholarships for talented, needy students
Manage and award scholarships at local and foreign universities or art schools for talented students annually or bi-annually. A pilot program could include one university to start. This includes calligraphy scholarships.

C. Develop youth orchestras
Simeon Ndesandjo used to say that singing in a choir with others was one of the most wonderful experiences of his life. This initiative in orphanages in China, starting with Shenzhen, Guangzhou. encourages children to not only make music, but also work as a team. Many orphans, for example, have great difficulty working with others. This initiative will not only increase their confidence through art awareness, but also through collaboration later in life.

Currently, colleges and high schools in many developed cities in China have their own music orchestras, which differ in member ages, knowledge levels and other aspects. However, many welfare centers and less developed areas do not have such art organizations. Learning musical instruments and artistic skills can have a tremendous, positive impact on children's psychological health, and become a distinguishing feature of welfare centers, including orphanages. Children’s orchestras can play a critical role in a variety of roles such as ceremonies, sports games, social visits etc. It builds team work as well as demonstrate cultural and spiritual qualities.

Who it benefits:
Children in economically disadvantaged schools, orphanages and welfare centers.

Support needed:
A minimum of 100,000 RMB (US$ 16,000) to cover instruments including flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, cornet, euphonium, euphonium, baritone, tuba, snare drum big rub, bass drum, triangle, bells to support 26, 32, or 52 players. In some cases, volunteers can be vetted to provide initial teaching.An example of such a music troupe is the one established by Mark at the Shenzhen orphanage.

D. Music Concerts
Give concerts in tandem with other artists in China and abroad. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Foundation. The concert with Zhao Yin Yin and The Indonesian Angklung Orchestra Benefit Gala are prime examples.

E. Book Launch
Mark will launch his memoir, Cultures in January, 2014. It is a brutally honest depiction of his life, and how he realized a dream by using music to reach and make a difference to the orphans of Shenzhen. Cultures is a powerfully written, moving examination of cultural identity, love, and the redemptive power of charity. He also intends to publish a book on Tang poems by March, 2014. A portion of profits from book sales will go to the Foundation or other organizations that help the disadvantaged.

F. Piano+1 Program
Provide at least one piano to each poor and underserved schools and orphanages globally, starting in China. Along with a piano, funds would also be provided for a teacher. These teachers would be provided 2-3 year contracts and could be possibly drawn from the art scholarship applicants. Schools have been contacted and are eager to start, but funds are not available to purchase the pianos and fund the teachers.

A core component of the Foundation’s programs, the Piano + 1 program provides at least one piano and a teacher (the “+1” ) to needy children in China and around the world. From 2011 to 2013, Mark and his wife Chloe canvassed school districts across China with this goal in mind and received specific requests from over 300 schools and welfare centers for over 500 pianos. Pianos and teachers have already been received by orphanages in Shenzhen but many more are needed.
 
Who it benefits:
Children in economically disadvantaged schools, orphanages and welfare centers.

Support needed:
Piano + 1 requires a minimum of 100,000 RMB (US$ 16,000) to cover the piano, transportation and a professional teacher’s salary. In some cases, volunteers can be vetted to provide initial teaching.

G. Student Mentor Program
Provide American talent to mentor children in return for room and board and local stipend. Lots of gifted, musical young people from the developed world would love to get on the bandwagon to have the experience of China for 6 months–1 year. Something like the Peace Corps, this program would give the feedback of a fantastic experience, satisfaction in giving a “leg-up” to the most needy.