Kunst for Gaza -
Fundraising campaign on Instagram starts on December 8th
The art community in Trøndelag is joining forces to organize a fundraising campaign for the benefit of UNICEF's work for war-affected children in Gaza. On Friday, December 8, an online art auction will commence on the Instagram account @kunstforgaza.
Close to 50 artists have donated artworks for the auction. The public can bid on the artworks until Thursday, December 14, when the first round of the auction concludes. The entire purchase amount goes directly to UNICEF. Buyers can either pick up the artwork from the artist or have it sent by mail.
Meaningful Christmas Gifts
Behind the initiative are Trondheimbiennalen, Trøndelag Center for Contemporary Art, Trøndelag Visual Artists (TBK), and Norwegian Association for Arts and Crafts Mid-Norway (NKM).
More than 1.6 million people in Gaza are in urgent need of assistance. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Almost half of Gaza's population are children, and thousands have been killed and injured. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is over, and hostilities in the Gaza Strip have resumed.
"We want to do something active to show our solidarity with the people in Gaza," say the initiators behind the art auction @kunstforgaza.
Line Anda Dalmar, visual artist and one of the leaders of Trondheimbiennalen, wanted to do something and was inspired by an auction format used in Sweden. The concept seemed simple and feasible.
"I believe that as fellow human beings, we must contribute as much as we can. I have felt powerless in recent months, and this is a way I can help. At the same time, my contribution encourages others to give as well."
The initiators report that the artists' initiative has been well-received. Artists in Trøndelag have been very generous, donating artworks to the auction. There are many beautiful pieces of art. People are happy that this is something they can participate in!
Now, we encourage the public to contribute by purchasing something meaningful for Christmas. All purchase amounts go directly to UNICEF, and it is for a good cause. Artist Katherine Butcher, a board member of Trøndelag Bildende Kunstnere (TBK), enthusiastically talks about the initiative:
"It is very positive to see artists come together, creating engagement, visibility, and support for those who need help in Gaza right now. The Kunst for Gaza initiative aims to use art to promote positive change, with original artworks donated by professional artists in Trøndelag. The importance of collective participation is the key to the success of this initiative. Therefore, I encourage everyone to spread the word. Ask colleagues, family, and friends to get involved in the art auction @kunstforgaza on Instagram this December!"
The entire art community supports the fundraising campaign.
To promote the art auction, various artist communities in Trondheim, galleries, and the professional organizations of artists in the region are contributing.
Trøndelag Centre for Contemporary Art is also using its network and channels to inform widely about the online art auction @kunstforgaza.
Carl Martin Rosenkilde Faurby, Managing Director at Trøndelag Centre for Contemporary Art, says:
"I am enormously impressed by how quickly the city's art community has organized itself. Many of us have approached the border of apathy witnessing this terrible situation. However, the artists understand that even if you don't have much, you can always contribute. Trøndelag Center for Contemporary Art is pleased to pursue our ambition to support good initiatives from the region's artists. The Instagram auction 'Kunst for Gaza' is a reminder that we must not stop caring. It is always possible to make a difference."
The initiators of @kunstforgaza are trying to engage as many people as possible in this fundraising campaign. We naturally encourage everyone to spread enthusiasm for @kunstforgaza. Tell friends and acquaintances about the campaign.
Two bidding rounds for artworks by artists based in Trondheim and the Trøndelag region will be conducted over two weeks. The first art auction starts on Friday, December 8, and concludes on December 14. The next one starts on December 15 and concludes on Thursday, December 21.
Everyone can, of course, donate a sum to UNICEF (or any aid organization) even if you don't end up winning the bidding for the artwork you bid on.
The fundraising campaign "Kunst for Gaza" can be followed on minaksjon.unicef.no
You can find the online art auction here on Instagram: @kunstforgaza
Kunstnere i Trøndelag har sjenerøst donert kunstverk, og ett av verkene du kan by på er «Hånd til hånd» (2023) av Inga Skålnes & Eva Margrete Ballo. Bildet er laget av nålefilt og broderi i ull fra pelssau.
Kunst for Gaza - Carl Martin Rosenkilde Faurby (daglig leder TSSK) og kunstner Line Anda Dalmar (Trondheimsbiennalen)
Line Anda Dalmar (Trondheimsbiennalen)
Carl Martin Rosenkilde Faurby (Trøndelag senter for samtidskunst)
Amalie Marie Selvik (Trøndelag senter for samtidskunst)
Katherine Butcher (Trøndelag Bildende Kunstnere)
Monika Mørck (Norske Kunsthåndverkere Midt-Norge)
Daniel Vincent Hansen (billedkunstner)
