Artists pledge support for Sudan

25 Nov 2024

75 Australian artists have donated artworks to be auctioned online, with all proceeds from the sales going to the medical humanitarian response in Sudan run by Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

The philanthropic initiative, now in its second year, is being led by Gundungurra-based artist, Nathan Hawkes, who is aiming to generate collective action and solidarity in the arts. 

Artists for MSF

Last year, Hawkes’ Artists for MSF initiative raised more than $200,000 for MSF’s humanitarian response in Gaza; this time he is hoping for a similar outcome, to support people affected by the conflict in Sudan.

“In the face of unyielding feelings of distress and despair, we’re hoping to generate positive collective action. All proceeds from this campaign will support Médecins Sans Frontières in undertaking its critical work in Sudan,” said Hawkes.

“My intention is also that it will also go some way to breaking through the media silence and generate some degree of increased public awareness.”

Hawkes, best known for his large-scale drawings that emulate the tumultuous goings on of daily life, is donating ‘Ahead Was Silence’. The money raised will be donated to international medical and humanitarian aid organisation MSF, one of the few international organisations working in parts of Sudan that are most heavily impacted by ongoing civil violence.

“The choice to partner with MSF comes from a desire for an embodied and activated awareness of a shared humanity, as well as a sense of admiration for the service they deliver throughout the world,” said Hawkes.

Artists for MSF

One of the artworks up for auction this year in support of MSF's work in Sudan. Amber Wallis, Magenta abstract, Oil on linen, 50x60cm, LR, 2024

MSF Australia says this is a welcome act of generosity as the medical and humanitarian needs in Sudan and neighbouring countries such as Chad and South Sudan continue to increase. 

“We are grateful for the exceptional generosity and solidarity shown by these Australian artists,” said Jennifer Tierney, Executive Director MSF Australia.

“We need to talk about Sudan – after one year and a half of violence between two armed groups, it is the civilians who are paying the price. The violence experienced by the population and that MSF patients and staff have witnessed since the onset of the crisis has been horrific. Our teams have also reported catastrophic levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in parts of Sudan,” said Tierney.

Multi-award-winning artist, Ben Quilty, is donating ‘Crippling Indecision’, (Charcoal, graphite, gesso and oil on linen, 169 x 133.5 x 8.5cm. Framed in acrylic and American Oak).

All artworks are available to purchase via online auction at www.galabid.com/artmsf from Monday 25 November to Sunday 1 December 2024, with pre-registration open from 20 November.