Marriott International is tipping its hat to thousands of its associates and guests through a new commissioned piece of art from Singaporean art collective Ripple Root. Marriott is dubbing the campaign “Your Smile Travels a Thousand Miles” to reflect the creation process, which apparently involved Ripple Root examining stories and images of guests who have stayed at the hotel over the previous year. 

Ripple Root, which was part of Sotheby’s first-ever online auction this year, is well-known in the region for their bold use of colors, defined strokes and playful patterns. This specific piece depicts a group of Marriott associates from across APAC, all from diverse backgrounds, who share a similarly radiant smile. The piece is anchored by botanical forms, like tree branches, which are meant to symbolize flourishing hope for the New Year. 

From now until Jan 6, 2021, guests can see the original piece at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, while digital versions of the art will be found across Marriott International locations in Asia-Pacific. 

The hotel is also inviting guests to share “What makes them smile in 2020, and where would you like to travel in 2021” to the Marriott Bonvoy Asia Pacific Facebook page from now until Dec. 23 to enter a travel giveaway. 

To Date, associates from Marriott hotels in APAC have volunteered 85,000 hours of community service, such as supporting nearly 1,000 frontline workers in Wuhan with accommodation during that city’s harsh battle with the virus. In Bangkok, 25 hotels used linen and uniforms to produce 4,800 face masks for local charities when there was a global shortage.