A Redfern gallery will bring together more than 60 artists this month to raise funds for a school serving children in Gaza.
Artists for Gaza’s Future is returning to Rogue Pop-Up Gallery for a second exhibition, following last year’s event, which raised $25,000 for Gazan families in need of food, water, shelter and medical aid. This year, the exhibition will support the Olive Garden School, established by teacher Mohammed Hussein in April 2026 to provide education for children whose schooling has been disrupted by war.
The school began with 20 students learning in a single tent but the need for education was so great that within weeks, Mohammed had 60 students. With extra funding, the school would be in a position to better meet the needs of current students and to take in more children.
Artists for Gaza’s Future is the brainchild of long-term friends Marguerite Bunce and Sydney-based artist Jane Burton-Taylor. Marguerite has maintained a large circle of Palestinian friends for many years. She first met Mohammed in 2024 and has closely followed the progress of the school.
“These children obviously need to be taught to read and do maths but they also need a place where they can be children who are having fun and feel as safe as possible together. Mohammed wanted them to see the school as a kind of haven where they could make friends and feel looked after.”
While there has been much international focus on the physical reconstruction of Gaza, the real work is in nurturing a new generation that has the education, skills and ambition to revitalise the community.
Jane has drawn on her connections with Sydney’s artistic community to bring together artists who have generously donated work to the exhibition.
“We were delighted that so many artists contributed work to this project and I would also like to thank Diane Larter for again generously offering the use of Rogue Pop-Up Gallery in Redfern as our venue,” Jane said.
The organising committee is absorbing all administrative and other costs, meaning 100 per cent of proceeds from the exhibition will go to the Olive Garden School.
The exhibition showcases artists across the spectrum, from the famous, such as Mental as Anything member Reg Mombassa and Wynne Prize winner Jude Rae, to the less well-known.
“The works also vary in size and price, making the show very accessible for both dedicated and casual followers of art,” Jane said.
Exhibition dates: Wednesday 2 September – Sunday 27 September
Opening: Saturday 5 September
Opening hours: 11am-6pm, Wednesday–Saturday; 11am-5pm Sundays
Venue: Rogue Pop-Up Gallery, 130 Regent Street, Redfern
