Australian artist ELK (aka Luke Cornish) travelled to Syria last year, where he had the opportunity to share his practice and run art workshops with local children. After multiple trips back and forth, Luke fell in love with the country ravaged by war, and the remarkable spirit of the young people continuing to live their lives amid such devastation.

These experiences left a profound impact on Luke, and earlier this year he and collaborator Emma Zoller formed For Syria’s Children (FSC), an Australian fundraising project that aims to provide financial assistance to young Syrian people whose lives have been tragically affected by the Syrian civil war. Unlike most art exhibitions, FSC’s sole purpose is to raise vital financial aid that will be directly provided to a number of local Syrian organisations that are in desperate need of supplies for basic amenities in orphanages, medical facilities and schools.

The project sees the generous donation a signature work from over 60 urban artists, to be sold across the three day exhibition, culminating in a silent auction from 6 – 9pm and party until 10pm on the evening of Thursday, September 28th at Collingwood’s Besser Space Gallery. Australian artists donating their work include big names such as Adnate, Anthony Lister, Rone, ELK and HA-HA, whose prolific work can be found in the streets of cities across the country (and around the world!)

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, coupled with devastating news reports coming at us from all angles, it can be hard to know how and who to help. For Syria’s Children gives us the opportunity to directly offer our financial support (not just our words and best wishes!) to some of those who need it most in the world right now.

For Syria’s Children group exhibtion
Wednesday 27th September  
11am – 6pm
Thursday 28th September 11am – 6pm
Silent auction 6pm – 9pm

Besser Space Gallery
15 – 25 Keele Street, Collingwood