Artwork by accomplished and emerging artists – including royal academicians – will be on sale at Bedales on 8 March at an event organised by students in conjunction with the Rural Refugee Network (RRN) charity.
Over 100 pieces of artwork will be available at a wide range of prices from the £10s to £1000s. Work will be bought, wrapped and taken home on the night with profits supporting the RRN, a charity helping refugees settle successfully into UK communities.
The sale will showcase approximately 50 artists across many disciplines, including contemporary art, fine art, illustration, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Many of the artists will attend the event to discuss their work and answer questions.
Tickets to attend the sale are available free of charge and can be booked at https://www.bedales.org.uk/event/art-sale-aid-rural-refugee-network.
Nadia Potts, Chief Executive of the RRN says: “The RRN is so proud to have been able to continue its support and help for refugees in Hampshire during the pandemic. The Art Sale has always been our major source of funding as well as a significant demonstration of solidarity with refugees. It will be our first in person attended event since early 2020 and an opportunity for all to attend, support, and fund.”
Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales commented: “Bedales is delighted to support the valuable work of the RRN in helping Afghan and Syrian families settle locally after the trauma of fleeing war and persecution. The Art Sale is a fantastic example of ‘real world learning’ for the students who have been involved in all aspects of planning this major fundraiser in conjunction with representatives from the RRN charity. I hope the event will be well supported by our local and school communities and that we can raise as much as possible on the night for this important cause.”
This initiative is a project for a group of Block 5 (Year 11) students taking their Bedales Assessed Course (BAC) in Global Awareness. Recognised as an alternative to GCSEs by universities, BACs are designed to be broad and stimulating, offering significant cross-curricular and independent learning opportunities across the arts and humanities subjects. Assessment includes a mixture of written assignments, presentations, projects and performances, together with examinations as appropriate, and each course is externally moderated.
The RRN offers refugees support ranging from clothing and household items, to one-one support to families learning English, and assisting children with school work. Monies raised from the Art Sale will help with funding for textbooks, online courses, Wi-Fi, tools and equipment for training and business start-ups, as well as driving lessons and a successful and dedicated Education/ Employment programme.
Bedales is holding other fundraising and educational activities on 8 March to support the RRN, including an ambitious fundraising walk where members of the community will cover the 4,000 km distance from Syria to Steep in a day (for more information and to donate, visit https://givepenny.com/SyriatoSteep_generalsupport). Students will also hear from a refugee about their year-long journey to the UK through 10 countries after escaping war-torn Afghanistan.
Categories: Bedales School News
