Bushfire Relief | Creative Forces
How the creative community have pulled together for the bushfire relief, and how you can help.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
Mountain Mist by Caitlin Mills, one of over 40 contemporary artists who have donated artwork to The Design Files' art auction Art Fights Fire.
The country has been burning for months with unprecedented levels of bushfires, but over Christmas and New Year’s, these fires grew to uncontrollable forces totalling 10.7 million hectares. According to The Guardian 1,700 homes were destroyed, and the ABC estimates a conservative figure of 480 millionloss of animals’ lives, and 28 human lives.
These numbers and the images cast over digital screens and newspapers of loss and devastation have been heartbreaking, but we’ve seen how powerful and valuable the creative community can be in a time of great loss. Comedian Celeste Barber has raised almost $50 million and counting for the NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund, and Instagram and Twitter are full of creatives donating time and art for the cause.
We’ve rounded up five artists and designers who are doing incredible things, raising money for those who need it most.
Nicolette Johnson
One of Hunter & Folk's favourite ceramicist’s (who we recently profiled here) is auctioning off one of her stunning sculptural vases to raise money for the animal charity WIRES. Nicolette shares she has been feeling heartbroken over the devastation and loss of animal life - the original value of the vase ($2,750) has now been ceded to $4,000! The auction closes at 5pm Brisbane time on 12thJanuary. Head to her Instagram to get involved.
Give to Wires Wild Life Rescue
Photo: Courtesy of Nicolette Johnson
The Design Files | Art Fights Fire
Over 40 contemporary artists have donated artwork to The Design Files' art auction with 100% of proceeds being split between Victoria’s Country Fire Association (CFA), and New South Wales’ WIRES. The collection includes art from the likes of Bobby Clark, Caroline Walls, Beci Orpin, Ken Done, Derek Swalwell, and Reko Rennie, and while the team were hoping to reach $50,000, at time of print they have raised over $100,000 (!!). Get bidding quickly!
Photo: The Female Gaze by Emma Currie
Worn Store
Bryon Bay brand Worn Store are pulling together all their humanly means to help the bushfire crisis. They have become a registered Foodbank donation point for food and product donations and will be distributing these to those in need, including medical supplies for wildlife hospitals. A big part of their charity will also be focusing on helping families with young babies who have lost everything and are calling on the public to donate new clothing to furniture, gift vouchers, bedding. Pop onto their Instagram for more information and to help volunteer/donate.
Photo: Lynden Foss
Jacquie Manning
Sydney-based photographer Jacquie Manning knew she couldn't see back and wait for other people to do something about the bushfires. Alongside volunteering for WIRES, Jacquie is donating 100% of the proceeds from her print sale to the Rural Fire Service and The Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities GoFundMe page. You can choose from nine prints that represent Australiana; the country we all want to protect.
Give Back to Rural Fire Services & The Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities
Photo: Jacquie Manning
Tom Adair
Tom Adair is another artist who knew he could not sit back and not help with the bushfire crisis, and so he is auctioning off one of his signature paintings of mid-century Californian architecture. The painting is super fresh, being finished yesterday (9th January); 48x62cm framed with free shipping. 100% of the proceeds go to WWF Australia who are using the money to care for injured wildfire and help rebuild forest homes for koalas’ homes. The auction will be happening via Tom Adair’s Instagram stories.
Photo: Tom Adair