Artists are donating work to support refugees

A Facebook page set up just two weeks ago to raise funds for refugee aid groups through selling donated artwork has already raised thousands of pounds.

Fionn Wilson and Bo Gorzelak Pedersen got the ball rolling on The Creative Collective for Refugee Relief and have been overwhelmed by the amount of artists who have submitted work and the response from art buyers. All proceeds will be equally shared between Syria Relief Charity and Calais Refugee Support, two groups working directly with refugees.

“It goes to show that the overwhelming feeling amongst people is of sympathy for the plight of the refugees and one of wanting to help,” Fionn told i100.co.uk

Artists who have submitted work range from established names, to children. It follows a similar model to charity art projects like Secret 7”, and prices are capped at £100 to encourage quick sales. Artists are invited to get in touch and submit their work to support the fundraising drive. All buyers are asked to message the page if interested in any of the artwork.

Syria Relief Charity and Calais Refugee were selected to receive donations because Fionn and Bo were impressed by the grassroots work they do; day in, day out. “We found two charities which, as part of lots of other great work they do, also actually get stuff to people on the ground via donated items,” she explains. “At the end of September we’ll shut up shop and, with the grand total, divide this equally between Syria Relief Charity and Calais Refugee Support. We’ll talk to both and ask exactly what they need.”

Buy or donate artworks at the Creative Collective for Refugee Relief’s Facebook page.