Hong Kong and Macau Join Hands in "TOUCH the Heart" Art Exhibition Sparks Social Awareness for Deafblind Community

The date of 27th June was designated by the United Nations in 2025 as the “International Day of Deafblindness”. Macau Deaf Association launched city’s first deafblind art exhibition “TOUCH the Heart”, at the Cardinal Newman Centre for Culture and Arts Performance of Macau (CCCN) from 28th June to 12th July this year. The exhibition, in collaboration with the HKSB’s Resource Centre for the Deafblind (RCDB), to co-exhibit nearly 60 artworks created by deafblind individuals from both regions. It represents a significant milestone as the first dedicated twin-city platform to showcase the artistic talents of the deafblind community.

Four members of RCDB, Hester, Judy, Wing-hong and Beckay attended the opening ceremony in person. Their featured works included Hong Kong style mini flower board, paper quilling collection, Braille art and modern calligraphy. Through these unique art pieces, the artists conveyed their life stories, illustrating their creative potential beyond physical limitations.

On the same day, Dr. Cyril Axelrod OBE — founding president of the Macau Deaf Association, honorary consultant for deafblind services of the HKSB, and the world's first deafblind priest — launched his latest book, “Conquest of Darkness”. Despite a rare disease completely deprived his sight and hearing in 2000, Dr. Axelrod continues to share his experiences through public speaking and writing from his world of complete darkness and silence, dedicating his life to raising public awareness for the deafblind community.