NEW YORK, May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Bryan Adams, famed musician and official photographer of the Hear the World initiative, today introduced his photography collection of Hear the World Ambassadors to the public in an interactive exhibit. Last night's opening was timed to celebrate the beginning of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
Hear the World is a global initiative raising awareness about the importance of good hearing and the impact of hearing loss. For the Hear the World exhibit, Adams has photographed several notable musicians including Mick Jagger, Amy Winehouse, Placido Domingo, Joss Stone, Lindsay Lohan, Annie Lennox, Michael Buble and many others. Each image features a celebrity ambassador in a conscious pose of "hearing."
Because music is a universal language that goes beyond geographical, social and linguistic boundaries, it is the chosen medium to spread the message of Hear the World. The initiative was launched in 2006 by innovative hearing device manufacturer Phonak. As part of the initiative, the Hear the World Foundation was set up to provide support to those with hearing loss around the world.
"I'm excited to lend my support to such an important cause," said Adams. "As a musician, I'm naturally sympathetic to an initiative dedicated to helping people appreciate and preserve an individual's sense of sound. I hope this exhibit helps to remind people of the tremendous value of their hearing."
To make the Hear the World Ambassadors exhibit a "listening experience" the exhibit also features interactive sound elements, such as a sound art installation in which visitors can participate. Additionally, visitors can screen their hearing at free testing stations located throughout the venue.
Starting today, the exhibit will be open free to the public for two weeks in New York's Meatpacking District at 413-415 W. 14th Street. After it closes in New York, the Hear the World Ambassadors exhibit will travel to Berlin and Zurich. The photos will be auctioned off online at http://www.hear-the-world.com/exhibition, with the net proceeds going to the Hear the World Foundation. Visitors to the website can also test their hearing via an online hearing test.
"Bryan has devoted a tremendous amount of time -- and talent -- to help Hear the World raise awareness about the issue of hearing loss," said Valentin Chapero, CEO of Phonak. "We're lucky to have him as a partner in our efforts. It's our hope that the public will find the exhibit enjoyable, informative and engaging."
In addition to his work with Hear the World, Adams has photographed individuals from around the globe. Adams's work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar and his own magazine, Zoo.
About Better Hearing and Speech Month
In recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month, Hear the World is also sponsoring free hearing screenings in markets around the country throughout the month of May.
About Hear the World
Hear the World is a global initiative by hearing device manufacturer Phonak created to raise awareness about the importance of hearing. The initiative calls attention to the social and emotional impact of hearing loss and addresses prevention of and solutions to a problem that affects more than 10% of the world's population. Through the Hear the World Foundation, Phonak supports charitable organizations and projects focused on helping people with hearing loss.
SOURCE Hear the World
