Anita Choudhrie Speaks About Perceiving Art as Investment

Art and aesthetics have kept the generations alive, by capturing their essence in wonderful strokes of colours. While art enthusiasts have always tried to preserve the interest behind this, the latest fad amongst people is to buy art as a form of investment. In fact over 75% of buyers and collectors do this, as suggested in Deloitte Art & Finance Report.

Over this, Anita Choudhrie, founder of StellarInternational Art Foundation expressed her viewpoints in an interview. Anita has been working on preserving the classic art pieces, and harbouring legendary art work under the Stellar umbrella. 

Here are some excerpts from her latest interview. 

“The fact is many now laud art as an investment, not least in comparison to the volatile stock markets, as on paper it is impervious to economic uncertainties. It is a largely non-correlated asset – insofar as it is not affected by the financial or other markets that collectors might be part of – which makes it attractive to those wanting to diversify their portfolio.

“I would strongly encourage buyers to consider their purchase in terms of a wider collection portfolio and to select for personal benefit rather than simply for financial motivations. This is because what drives any passionate collector is their individual perception and viewpoint on an artwork.”

She also narrated her own experience, “Art is more than a financial investment. It is a cultural investment. I have found that by collecting a series of works by a chosen artist simply out of genuine interest, a buyer can begin to value their collection as more than a mere sum of its parts.”

Anita addressed the issue of art being exploited as investment, and blurted, “Personally, I am inclined to argue that one should focus first and foremost on the non-financial benefits of art collection. Under this view, any financial gain is merely an additional benefit rather than an expected outcome.

“While art may well prove to be a worthy financial investment, its value certainly does not end there. Indeed, whilst paintings may have a price tag, art itself is priceless.”

Stellar International Art Foundation houses over 600 artefacts and antics by international artists dating back from 19^th century to present day. The collection includes largest private creations of Paresh Maity, creator of World of Colours, and entire Maria series by late MF Husain.  

Anita Choudhrie’s Family Honoured at Columbia University Medical Centre

At the official dedication of the Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center, The Choudhrie Family Foundation was not only honoured but recognised for its efforts. The education centre is the new medical and graduate education building at the Columbia University Medical Centre in Manhattan. With the donation received from The Choudhrie Family Foundation, the medical centre constructed a Choudhrie Family Student Lounge, an area dedicated for hardworking students to relax and study between classes and other demands. 

Sudhir and Anita Choudhrie attended the event.

Lee Goldman, Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center said “My good friends Bunny and Anita Choudhrie are major benefactors for the building and great friends of Columbia.” He also added, “I want to thank you for contributing your friendship and how much you mean to all of us here at the medical center.”

Choudhrie family has a long and important connection with Columbia University Medical Center. In 1999 the doctors at the medical centre had treated Sudhir Choudhrie in 1999 with a heart transplant. Their family had also donated $2.5 million to establish the Sudhir Choudhrie Professorship of Cardiology in 2009.

Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger called the Choudhries and other donors “Columbian families through and through; you just can’t say enough about what these families have done for Columbia.”

On this honourable occasion, Bhanu Choudhrie, son of Sudhir and Anita Choudhrie said, “Our entire family is eternally grateful to everyone at Columbia. We are proud to be a part of this exciting new project and to be part of the Columbia University Medical Center family.”

Creator of World of Colours, Paresh Maity wins inaugural award

Paresh Maity, the renowned Indian artist, was awarded the editors award at an extravagant ceremony which was held to celebrate the Eastern Eye Arts, Culture and Theatre Awards (ACTAs), where the very best of British South-Asian talent is recognised. Paresh Maity is the first receiver of this prestigious award, which was presented by Hamza Jeetooa, the famous British actor cum film-maker. Hamza spoke highly of Maitys contributions to the art community and the deep impact he has created, he said: “Paresh Maity is one of the leading contemporary artists of his time and is regarded as India’s leading water colour painter – from a humble background not far from Kolkata, he was initially self-taught but slowly began to establish a strong reputation. His water and boats series brought him to the attention of the art community in India and since then he has gone onto become one of India’s most important painters".

Maity talked about his relationship with art and painting while receiving the award. His belief is that art is a medium of cultural diversity and a connoisseur can explore the numerous aspects and visions that life has to offer through art and develop different perspectives on life and culture.

He commented: “Winning this award is an incredible experience. I have always been inspired by our world of colours. My travels, which have taken me to many new countries, form an integral part of my life and my art. Our world is diverse and we need to celebrate that diversity – the way our individual and social lives intersect and bring vibrancy to the world. Colour is life; it is the universe. Without colour and the play of light and shade, life will cease. Art has a unique ability to transcend the everyday – whilst the common discourse tells us that different people and cultures are all antagonistic towards each other – art reminds us that we are all part of the same canvas.”

Paresh Maity’s paintings have found their way into revered collections, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi and the Vatican embassy in New Delhi amongst others. He is popularly known for using vibrant colours to evoke passion through paintings. His works have been honoured by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society Award for Best watercolour painting, Birla Academy of Art and Culture, the British Council visitor ship award, the Dayawati Modi award for Art, Culture and education and the Padma Shri award.

Anita Choudhrie, founder of the Stellar International Art Foundation, commented: 

"Paresh is a man who believes in humanity first and this ACTA award is a testament to that humanist ideal that inspires everything he does. It goes without saying, that this shows through in his creativity of colours and ingenuity on canvas. Paresh's spontaneity and imagination are vast and unique, and no doubt have helped him win professional and complimentary accolades across India and now internationally."

The Stellar International Art Foundation, which was conceptualised by the Choudhrie Family, has been amongst the first patrons and supporters of Paresh Maity. The foundation commissioned Maity to make watercolours of their vintage cars after meeting him over his very first exhibition in Delhi in the 1990s. Since then, the Foundation undertakes the majority of his oeuvre, including his largest series of watercolours, 57 pieces of Venice.

Path to Success Raises £17000 For London Titans at Olympic Park

Path to Success organised a charity event in order to raise funds for the wheelchair basketball team London Titans and to attract people’s attention towards the game. The Olympic Park corporate wheelchair basketball tournament was held at Olympic Park Copper Box Arena on 26th April and was participated by five wheelchair basketball teams. The day kick started with current Titans players, featuring ex-Team GB Paralympian Tyler Saunders and Junior Team GB European champion Christy Gregan who held a training session for the participants.

The event also saw corporate giants such as PHA Media, Deloitte, Shanti Hospitality and University of East London compete against each other in a knockout format. Baroness Grey-Thompson presented an achievement award to Titans head coach Ian Laker for his immense contribution and continuous efforts towards wheelchair basketball in the UK.

The London Titans have 66 members and have produced more than 50 team GB players. But they do not receive any central sports funding. But the initiative by Anita Choudhrie’s Path to Success means the money raised will be allocated to buy sports wheelchairs, cover match fees, transport, court hire and most importantly efficient coaching of the team.

Path to Success, founded in 2005 by Mrs Anita Choudhrie is a London based charity house, which has chosen to support the much deserving sport and the London Titans Team. Anita concluded, “Today has gone off really well and we are so happy and proud to see the culmination of 6-8 months of very hard work. We have had really good fundraising support from companies and I hope they will respond to us again in the future.”

The sport should be garnered with deserved attention as it has introduced a new spirit in the lives of differently abled. Their lives have been acquainted with a reason to do something exemplary and the motivation that they are no less than any other human being. Christy Gregan, London Titans player said, “Wheelchair basketball has enabled me to travel the world, meet some of my best friends and do things I never thought I could do.”

Path to Success Successfully Concludes Wheelchair Basketball Tournament: Raising £17,000

Path to Success concluded their wheelchair basketball tournament on 26th April. The fund raising tournament was hosted at Olympic Park Copper Box arena and had active participation from 5 wheelchair basketball teams. 

“Our goal for the day was to create an open and positive environment within which colleagues could experience the competitive nature of wheelchair basketball for the first time,” said Anita Choudhrie, Founder of Path to Success.

Five-time Team GB Paralympian Ann Wild OBE provided extensive training to the teams. The coach was awarded for his immense contribution towards making the tournament a success and for making wheelchair basketball what it is today.

It raised a total amount of £17000 which will be donated to the most successful southern England club- wheelchair basketball team, London Titans. Coach Ian Laker was awarded by Baroness Tanni Grey – Thompson for his contributions in this field.

Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “Today has been brilliant because it’s so important to get people playing wheelchair sport whether disabled or able-bodied. When I was growing up it was so hard to find a team and to play but now you can see the strength of wheelchair basketball and that is a testament to the legacy of 2012 and to people like Ian Laker.”

The club has a rich history and has continued success by producing more than 50 Team GB players in its history but hasn’t been granted any central sports funding. 

However, donations raised from the event will be used to support South London’s most popular wheelchair basketball club, and will be invested in sports wheelchairs, match fees, court hire and the transport and coaching.

Path to Success Holds Wheelchair Basketball Tournament: Raises £17,000 for London Titans

The charity, Path to Success, formed by Mrs. Anita Choudhrie, held a fund raising wheelchair basketball tournament on Tuesday 26th April. The Olympic Park Corporate wheelchair basketball tournament was held at Olympic Park Copper Box arena on 26th April, and witnessed active participation from five wheelchair basketball teams.

The event not only brought wheelchair basketball to everyone’s attention but saw five teams compete with each other.  The tournament was able to raise a total amount of £17,000 for the Titans Club. Coach Ian Laker was also awarded for his immense contribution towards making wheelchair basketball for what it is today by Baroness Tanni Grey – Thompson.'

Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “Today has been brilliant because it’s so important to get people playing wheelchair sport whether disabled or able-bodied. When I was growing up it was so hard to find a team and to play but now you can see the strength of wheelchair basketball and that is a testament to the legacy of 2012 and to people like Ian Laker.”

A voluntary minimum donation of £5,000 was expected from the participating teams. The donations raised from the event will be used to support South London’s most popular wheelchair basketball club, and will be invested in sports wheelchairs, match fees, court hire and the transport and coaching.

The club has produced over 50 Team GB players in its history and doesn’t yet receive any central sports funding, but this event will surely help them grow.

Teams Fueled For Path to Success’ Corporate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

Over the time, London Titans have formed a formidable reputation for themselves as one of the successful and loved wheelchair basketball club. The team till date has produced more than 50+ GB players in its history, but sadly remains one of the clubs that is bereft of any central funding.

But now the team shall receive financial aid from Path to Success. The charity is organising a corporate wheelchair basketball tournament to raise donations for London Titans. The event will be held on 26th of April between 9 AM – 5 PM at Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Eight teams of five to six players shall be competing against each other. Team GB Paralympians shall also be a part of this match. 

Anita Choudhrie, founder of Path to Success, believes everyone will love wheelchair basketball: “Our goal for the day is to create an open and positive environment within which colleagues can experience the competitive nature of wheelchair basketball for the first time.”

“We are offering a unique experience to get away from the office and create lasting memories, while also raising money for an exceptional cause.”

The teams shall be given extensive training by five-time Team GB Paralympian Ann Wild OBE. Team GB players shall keep the audience mesmerised by showcasing their skills. The game shall be hosted by two courts together and two final teams shall meet in a face off to decide the final champions. A voluntary minimum donation of £5,000 is expected from the participating teams. 

The donations would be invested in sports wheelchairs, match fees, court hire and the transport and coaching of London Titans.  

Spectators are welcomed! 

Teams that wish to join can contact Nasim.malhotra@pathtosuccess.org.uk