Community / Artists donate work to raise funds for Palestine
A WEEK long pop-up art exhibition to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) will open in the Toll Clock Shopping Centre on Saturday 6 April.
Instigated by local artists Cilla Robertson and Jean Urquhart, the exhibition showcases art donated by artists from across Shetland which will be on sale to raise funds for the charity.
MAP works with Palestinian communities to provide locally led healthcare and medical aid to those affected by the current conflict.
All sales from artwork donated will go directly to MAP.
Urquhart said they were inspired by the Lift the Lid exhibition in Nairn where artists and UHI Moray college students had offered work for sale in order to help a film maker in Rafah, Palestine.
They felt they wanted to do something similar in Shetland in support of the Palestinian people.
“It seemed to us that medical aid is what is most needed right now for Palestinians, no matter the geopolitics,” Urquhart said.
“It is hard to think of 1,700 injured children, some of them now orphans and in real need of medical attention.
“Neither Cilla nor I want to stand back and watch what is happening without doing something.”
So far, there has been a positive response from professional and amateur artists as well as musicians donating music.
“The exhibition will only run for one week. It will give folk a chance to come and browse, enjoy the work and learn more about MAP,” she added.
“Even if they don’t buy a painting or pot, they might make a donation for such a good cause.”
The shop will be open on Friday (5 April) between 11am and 3pm for anyone who wishes to donate artwork, with an official opening of the exhibition the following day (Saturday) at noon.
Tollclock managing director Malcolm Younger said: “We are delighted to help local artists with the excellent cause by giving the use of the unit free of charge.”
