Dezeen Promotion: Hong Kong artists and designers created a playful set for the Design Trust's annual fundraising gala, which took place last week for the first time in two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Architect William Lim, textile designer and researcher Elaine Yan Ling Ng and conceptual artist Mak Ying Tung 2 (Mak2) worked with Design Trust co-founder and executive director Marisa Yiu to create the setting for the event.

Described by the Design Trust as "winter playscapes", the venue was decorated with an eclectic mix of palm trees, sunflowers and architectural elements.

Yan Ling Ng created a palm tree installation made from UV polymer, Swarovski crystals and textile offcuts from her studio, while conceptual artist Mak2 contributed an artwork comprising a bed and chest of drawers tangled in cables.

The 340 guests sat around a single long table that snaked around the room.

"My excitement of being able to host and realise this year's gala is beyond words and it's humbling to see so many collaborators come to support us," said Yiu.

"This year's theme Winter Playscapes is a collective testament to our community to gather and support the ongoing inspirational research, projects and ongoing granting projects to connect various generations, and which impact our city with optimism, energy and vibrancy of shaping our cultural community."

Design Trust is a charity that supports creative projects in Hong Kong and the surrounding region.

Twenty-six lots were auctioned during the event, which raised 9.86 million HKD ($1.26 million) for the charity.

"This year's gala could not have been successful without the support from our passionate sponsors, table hosts, donors and winning bidders for the auction lots," said Yiu.

"These critical funds will help Design Trust continue with our community programmes and projects, as well as allowing cultural exchanges, research programmes, and design and curatorial research fellowships to thrive."

The gala also featured a screening of artist Cao Fei's film Nova and a musical performance by Hong Kong New Music Ensemble.

Graphic designer Henry Steiner received the Design Trust Legacy Award 2021 at the event.

The Design Trust Gala 2021, which took place on 16 December at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, is the first fundraising gala Design Trust has held since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Dezeen was a media partner for the event.

The 2019 edition of the gala was art directed by Peter Cook and Dennis Crompton of Archigram and featured bright yellow inflatables.

Design Trust Gala 2021 took place on 16 December 2021 at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

Media partnership

This article was written as part of a media partnership with the Design Trust. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.