This week sees the return of an annual exhibition that gives emerging artists from refugee backgrounds the chance to showcase their work alongside established local and national artists.
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Run by SCARF as part of National Harmony Week the charity art exhibition, formerly known as Art4Refugees, has a new name. Hand in Hand reflects SCARF's commitment to support emerging artists.
Proceeds from the opening night and artwork sales will support SCARF programs for refugee children, youth and adults settling in the Illawarra.
Chief executive Pippa Rendel said it was a "critical part of the community fundraising that allows us to keep running our social inclusion, education and employment readiness programs that link local volunteers with people from refugee backgrounds and provide vital support for successful settlement".
Over 50 artists from refugee and non-refugee backgrounds have contributed to this year's exhibition which will be set up mid week.
The official opening on Friday night will include an auction of three artworks by artists originally from Syria, Iran and Myanmar.
More than 100 artworks in a range of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, jewellery and ceramics, will feature in this year's exhibition.
Acclaimed artists who have donated original works this year include Caroline Baum, Blak Douglas, Halinka Orszulok, Paul Ryan, Helen McCosker and Nikki Main.
Contributing artist, Najla Sbei, is keen to see other artists from refugee backgrounds, like herself, join the Hand in Hand exhibition to showcase their work and make connections with the artistic community.
"This year will be my third participation in SCARF's charity exhibition and it is an event that I wait for every year since coming to Australia.
"I think the new name of the exhibition, Hand in Hand, inspired me to think that our hands are awesome, we create things with them, and when we share our handmade things (food, paint, gifts) we send a message saying: my hand did this and I want to enjoy it with you. It is made with love, and shared with love, and that is my reason for participating in Hand in Hand."
Hand in Hand coordinator Sherryl Reddy said SCARF was excited to provide a safe space for artists from refugee backgrounds to share their art with the wider community, build networks with local artists, and engage with prospective buyers of their works.
The exhibition will run from March 20 to 24 at Project Contemporary Artspace, 255 Keira Street, Wollongong.
Tickets for the opening night at www.scarfhandinhand.org.au or trybookings https://www.trybooking.com/VSTC.
SCARF will also be hosting a free Family Day for volunteers, families from refugee backgrounds and the wider community to promote connection, harmony and social inclusion through arts and craft activities.
There family days is being held on Sunday, March 24 in level one of the Crown Building at Wollongong Central.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
