Many of us have watched with alarm and a sense of helplessness, as Gaza has been devastated. But what to do, when aid is being blocked at borders? Members of the arts community have come together to provide a creative and practical contribution under the banner “Artists for Gaza”.
This initiative follows a similar approach by UK artist Michael Slusakowicz and Australian writer, Marguerite Bunce, who is now based in France. Together they began selling Michael’s work in order to raise funds for Gazan families. Their successful collaboration became a blueprint for the new Australian initiative. Michael has been a short-listed finalist for the UK National Portrait Gallery Prize, amongst others, and was selected for ArtEvol 2025 at the Saatchi Gallery in the UK. He has also generously gifted an artwork to Artists for Gaza.
“When I saw how important the contributions by me and my friends were to these families, I began asking artist friends if they would like to donate artwork for sale, with all proceeds going directly to these families through GoFundMe accounts,” one of the founding members of Artists for Gaza said. In just a fortnight, 50 artists have signed up to donate their work, ranging from senior Wynne Prize-winning artist Jude Rae to recent art school graduates. 100 per cent of the sale proceeds will go directly to Gazan families. The Artists for Gaza organising committee has agreed to absorb all administrative costs in order to achieve this.
The art which can be viewed on the Instagram page @artistsforgaza.au, ranges from painting and works on paper through to photography and steel-welded sculpture. There are bargains, with over half the work on sale for less than $500. Although an exhibition of the work does not open until Wednesday 29 October, works are already being snapped up. There is work to suit every taste, ranging from the funky art of popular Mental as Anything band member Reg Mombasa to a vase of native flowers by accomplished Melbourne-based still life artist Sue Morris. A photograph by acclaimed photojournalist Andrew Quilty, of the Harbour Bridge March for Humanity on 3 August, stands out as capturing what has already become an important moment in Australia’s history.
“We are thrilled that so many artists have been so generous, helping us put together an exhibition that the public will find engaging and stimulating,” an Artists for Gaza spokesperson said. “It has become a survey of current art practice. We are also grateful for the many people who freely gave their time to help make the initiative possible, from our committee member undertaking website design through to the generous support of Rogue Pop-Up Gallery.”
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The exhibition opens at 6pm on Wednesday October 29 at Rogue Pop-Up Gallery, 130 Regent Street, Redfern and continues until a closing event at 1–4 pm on Sunday November 2. In the meantime, all work can be viewed and purchased online. It is also possible to make a donation to the initiative through donations@artistsforgaza.au.
