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2025-04-03

"Autism Inclusion Charity Art Exhibition" Officially Opens Mercedes-Benz Arena Innovatively Practices Corporate Social Responsibility

April 2, 2025, marked the eighteenth World Autism Awareness Day—a United Nations-designated day to support children with autism, who are often called "children from the stars."

To foster greater understanding and bring more people into the world of these "stars," the Mercedes-Benz Arena and theShanghai Huangao Public Welfare Foundationjointly launched the"Autism Inclusion Charity Art Exhibition". The exhibition will run for one month,from March 26 to April 26, at Retail Area B108 within the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Over 100 paintings by children on the autism spectrum ("star children"), themed around daily life and nature, will be displayed. Their imaginative brushstrokes reflect the purity of their inner worlds. Additionally, more than 50 three-dimensional exhibits—such as Sanxingdui Ruins figurines crafted from recycled materials like discarded packaging boxes—integrate environmental themes into art.

The opening ceremony commenced at Retail Area B108 on April 2 at 1:30 PM. Attendees included Zong Min, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Huangao Public Welfare Foundation; Chen Jie, Shanghai’s "March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter" awardee; Mike Cerha, General Manager of the Mercedes-Benz Arena; Hua Wei, Deputy General Manager; and other advocates for autism awareness. They expressed strong endorsement for this initiative.

A child with autism hosted the ceremony, delivering a poised and heartfelt speech to convey gratitude and hopes for the event.

Following the ceremony, a special activity—"Not-Alone Kitty Friends" and Hide-and-Seek—allowed closer interaction with the children. Accompanied by parents and Arena volunteers, children painted colorful "kitty friends," while tent installations provided a safe space to encourage social engagement.

At17:00 PM that evening, the Mercedes-Benz Arena joined the global "Light It Up Blue" campaign—a joint initiative by the UN and Autism Speaks—illuminating its facade in blue to raise awareness for autism.

Throughout the exhibition, the Arena hosted community activities focused on sustainability and traditional culture:

March 29: "The Vitality of Buttons" eco-art workshop, where children created collages from discarded buttons.Upcoming events included intangible cultural heritage rubbing, plastic bag art, and ink-wash painting workshops.

As a cultural landmark, the Mercedes-Benz Arena remains committed to social responsibility. This exhibition not only offered warmth to autism-affected families and raised public awareness but also enriched the venue’s cultural offerings, energizing its Retail Area. The Arena pledges continued contributions to public welfare and environmental causes.