Prominent businesses, philanthropists, art lovers and celebrities from the South Coast to the Top End are joining forces for a charity event with a difference.
“Ochre – Supporting Indigenous Health through Art”, is an auction of spectacular Indigenous art to raise funds for research into Indigenous child health at Charles Darwin University’s Menzies School of Health Research.
Artworks from some of Australia’s most sought after Indigenous artists have been brought together in a museum-quality collection for the auction including works from John Mawurndjul, Eubena Nampitjin and Makinti Napanangka, winner of the 2008 National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Award.
Speaking on behalf of the Ochre committee, Melbourne-based entrepreneur and Ochre Ambassador, David Smorgon said Ochre was a unique event due to the high quality of the artworks and also the unique way in which the artworks were obtained.
“Rather than asking artists and galleries to donate their works, as is the normin most charity art auctions, sponsorship has been secured to allow artworks to be purchased direct from community art centres,” Mr Smorgon said.
“This ensures that we are fostering local economic development and employment opportunities in remote Indigenous communities.
“This unique approach also ensures that the highest ethical standards have been maintained when purchasing the artworks at a time when the Indigenous art industry is under an increasing amount of public scrutiny.”
All proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards breaking the cycle of ill-health faced by Indigenous children, particularly those from remote communities.
“We all have a responsibility to do what we can to help discover ways to break the cycle of ill-health faced by Indigenous Australians. Too many Indigenous people are dying prematurely and too many Indigenous kids face an unhealthy and uncertain future.
“Hand in hand with members of the Melbourne and Northern Territory community, we have come together for Ochre to help to fund the research which can help to break this cycle and change the lives of Indigenous kids.”
Ochre – Supporting Indigenous Health through Art will take place at Mossgreen Auctions, South Yarra on Tuesday, 14 October.
Indigenous singing sensation Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (supported by Paspaley Pearls) will perform, and journalist Ray Martin will host the event.
For a copy of the Ochre catalogue, contact lisa.stapels@menzies.edu.au. RSVPs for Ochre are essential. Telephone bids are also available via Mossgreen Auctions.
Visit the Ochre artworks online at www.mossgreen.com.au; Donate to Ochre at www.menzies.edu.au/ochre