In 2016, Sri Lanka will have a new Shangri-La luxury resort called Hambantota Resort & Spa. An Eco Centre will be built on site, to teach and educate guests, colleagues and local school children about conservation and Sri Lanka’s environment. The resort’s biodiversity programme will focus primarily on the development of elephant conservation programmes in and around Hambantota aimed to address human- elephant conflict and habitat loss.
To celebrate its opening, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka launched an elephant sculpture competition – “Elephant R.U.N. (Reuse + Upcycle = New Art)”. The resort is inviting Sri Lankan residents to enter and craft Asian elephant sculptures entirely of discarded materials.
The free-style challenge will demonstrate how conservation and art can go hand- in-hand, and that unwanted objects can be upcycled into inspirational artworks, while raising awareness of the current threats to the survival of wild Asian elephants across Sri Lanka.
Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and their sculptures will be displayed at the new Shangri-La resort. The resort grounds are a natural extension to the region’s wildlife habitat. The Yala and Bundala National Parks, Sri Lanka’s foremost bird watching destinations, and over 40 heritage sites are within easy reach.
One winner each from the youth (aged 21 and under) and adult (aged 22 and over) categories, will be named at an awards ceremony held at the resort in 2016. The prize is LKR150,000 for the youth winner and LKR200,000 for the adult winner.
In selecting the Finalists, judges will consider the most creative, innovative and effective use of re-used and recycled materials items. They will also judge entries based on the contest brief including the size of the sculpture, and its safety and durability.
There is no fee to enter. “Entry” forms should be submitted by 12 August 2015, which is World Elephant Day.
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka will be surrounded by an 18-hole golf course with coconut plantations and sand dunes to the south, and offer 375 rooms including 26 suites.
