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Where Shall We Call Home?
June 17, 2017 @ 2:00 pm - July 5, 2017 @ 3:00 pm
Where Shall We Call Home? is a powerful exhibition featuring over 50 artists who are presenting work at Depot Artspace to support refugee resettlement in Aotearoa.
If you are concerned about the international refugee crisis, here’s your chance to take positive action and see some compelling art at the same time.
Hope, despair, longing, family and safety are themes that run through the varied and compelling paintings, photographs and sculptural pieces created for this exhibition.
Contributing artists include painters Simon McIntyre, Peata Larkin, Jennie de Groot, Nicola Gibbons, Nancy Synnestvedt and Tina Frantzen; photographers Elizabeth March and Maureen Tan, bone carver Aaron Frater and award-winning ceramicist, Frank Checketts. Works by artists from a refugee background, including calligrapher, Sayed AliKaram Jawhary are also included in the exhibition.
One wall will feature a montage of diverse 10” x 10” works, all priced at $150.
Internationally-acclaimed Devonport glass-artist Holly Sanford is excited to be involved in the project. “I am pleased to be part of this exhibition and to have the opportunity to indirectly help support the people who come here to escape from the hardship and suffering in their own countries.”
The exhibition’s artworks have been donated by the artists. All profits from the purchase of these works will go directly to two agencies that help refugees create new lives in NZ: The Red Cross’ Pathways to Settlement Programme and The Auckland Refugee Family Trust (ARFT). Amnesty International NZ will also be on hand to let people know how to Build Hope through small actions.
Art for Change began when visual artists Fiona Barrett, Belinda King, Brenda Liddiard, Mary Ann Manchego and Gaël Rowntree discovered they shared concerns over the current international refugee crisis, and realised that, together, they could do something to help.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Join us for one of the special events, or drop in to Depot Artspace during the exhibition’s run, 17 June – 5 July. Purchase an artwork to contribute funds to the work of Red Cross or ARFT.
If you are not able to come to the exhibition, but would still like to support refugees in NZ, you can donate to Art for Change via Givealittle
FIND OUT MORE
The Red Cross Pathways to Settlement programme
The programme offers 12 months’ support to former refugees in Aotearoa. Refugees are often resettled where the society, language and culture are completely different from their own. It is both challenging and rewarding. The money generated through the “Where Shall We Call Home?” exhibition will support funding basic, practical items families need when settling into their new homes in New Zealand.
The Auckland Refugee Family Trust (ARFT)
ARFT say that “being reunited with family members is the most pressing concern for refugees in New Zealand”. Their work is so important for refugees who have a very small window in which to help their families come to Aotearoa – and it can be very difficult without financial and practical help. Funds raised for ARFT will be used exclusively to assist with airfares and related family reunification expenses.
Amnesty campaigns include ensuring that refugee and asylum seeker rights are respected. It will be offering people the opportunity to Build Hope by taking action to close Australia’s offshore detention centres on Nauru, Manus and Christmas Islands.
For more information, visit the Art for Change group Facebook page.
Saturday 17 June to Wednesday 5 July
Main Gallery
Opening Saturday 17 June, 2 – 3:30pm
Associated Events
Tuesday 20 June, 7 – 9:30pm: World Refugee Day Celebration. This special evening event celebrates World Refugee Day with speakers, stories and performances by individuals from refugee backgrounds. Entry by koha (cash only). Light refreshments available.
Sunday 25 June, 2pm: Artist talk and demonstration by Sayed Ali Karam Jawhary.
Sunday 25 June, 1:30 – 3:30pm: Build Hope youth workshop. Amnesty International will be running a workshop of visual and drama techniques to explore ways to engage empathy and action for human rights. This workshop will be at the Kerr St Artspace on the access road to Mt Victoria, please register through Eventbrite.
Friday 30 June, 7:30pm: The Soul Depot Fundraising Concert. Featuring Donna Dean, Albi & The Wolves and Nigel Gavin’s Gitbox Rebellion. Tickets $20 at the door (cash only).