Welsh artists aim to make a difference in Darfur
The 'Arts Call for Darfur' project created in partnership with Save the Children will be launched on Friday, 14 December between 2.00 - 6.00pm at Butetown History and Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay.
Thursday 6 December 2007
'Arts Call for Darfur' is an ongoing project aimed at raising money both for Save the Children's work in Darfur and for the arts in Wales, hoping to generate £50,000 during its first year.
The project was created earlier this year when a group of individuals in Wales, concerned about the continuing crisis in Darfur, came together with the aim of making a difference. These individuals, with links to the art world both in Wales and Sudan, decided to create a project that would highlight the problems in Darfur and raise funds for the humanitarian relief work of Save the Children in this area. The group also wanted to showcase and support the efforts of Sudanese and local Welsh artists.
The concept for 'Arts Call for Darfur' came from Mohamed Hamza, born in Sudan but who has been living in Wales for 20 years. He has become increasingly concerned about the crisis in Darfur and decided to take action.
"The crisis in Darfur, and the suffering, is on a scale too hard for most to understand. Millions of people are suffering and finding a solution is very hard. This project gives artists a chance to involve the Welsh public in making a difference," said Hamza.
Exhibition artists
During the launch original works donated by 20 renowned Welsh artists including Philip Nicol, Charles Byrd, Iwan Bala, David Knight, Mary Jolley, Bev Howe, Mohamed Hamza, Maggie James, Sian Hamza, Chris House, Salvatore Salimeni, Andii Little, Paul Hurley, David Watkins, Kyle Legall and Liz McKernan will be exhibited. There will also be an opportunity to purchase limited edition prints and a special calendar featuring some of the works. Businesses will also have the opportunity to commission an artist of their choice to produce original art work to support the aims of the project.
Iwan Bala, who has established himself as one of the leading creative artists resident in Wales today is delighted to support the 'Arts Call for Darfur' project with his painting, 'Natur Morte, Darfur'.
"It is ironic that Africa, the birthplace of the human race, should see such human suffering, conflict and pain. My painting represents Africa as a mother giving birth, the life she gives withers in a barren landscape. We need to be reminded of our duty to this 'mother' ", said Bala.
Exhibition locations
Following the launch the exhibition will be on site at the Butetown and History Centre until 20 January. It will then tour various different locations around Wales, first visiting the Treherbert Gallery, Rhondda Cynon Taf on 8 February. The year's activity will culminate in a gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel Cardiff on 16 October 2008, where a number of original art pieces will be auctioned.
Save the Children's work in Darfur
Backed by over 20 years of experience in Sudan, Save the Children provide an essential lifeline to those in need. In west Darfur we're reaching 500,000 people every month with life-saving humanitarian aid. We're distributing food; running health and emergency maternity clinics; building 19 schools and refurbishing 19 more; drilling wells and providing communities with equipment to pump water.
