Gallery6 launches two fund-raising initiatives for deserving

Islamabad : Islamabad’s Gallery6 has launched two unique fund-raising initiatives to support about 1,000 plus deserving families and some white-collar artists who are financially crunched and not in position to even ask for help during these times of crises.

The first initiative, which was launched on April 5, features auctioning of one painting per day with a base price of almost one-fifth of its original gallery price enabling the gallery to purchase food items that will last a week for 25 deserving families.

The second initiative entails online calligraphy classes. Wasil Shahid, an Islamabad-based calligrapher, will conduct online classes from his home, and donate all fees for people in need. This news was circulated through the Gallery’s email service and Facebook page, with great response received within 24 hours—both from within Pakistan and abroad.

The curator of Gallery6, Dr. Arjumand Faisel, is also a Trustee of Horizon International Trust, which has identified and listed over 1,000 families in urgent need of support. In the past one week, the Trust has raised funds to provide one-week ration or Rs3,000 cash to 500 of these families. According to Dr. Faisel, he was looking for more ways to raise funds and hence decided to launch the auction of paintings at very low prices through the Gallery’s platform. This is a two-pronged approach that will not only help collect money for people in need but also provide an opportunity for art lovers to acquire paintings at substantially lower prices, even lower than the prices at which artists give these to the Gallery.

Dr. Faisel said, “As I floated the first painting, which was mine, I started getting calls from several artists that they would also like to donate their paintings for the cause. In these three days, we have received several offers and have a good collection to offer everyday for a few weeks.”

Gallery6 has, even in the past, taken several unique initiatives to serve not only art but also artists and the society at large. There have been activities like annual art bazaars providing paintings at substantially low prices, a series of art retreats on climate change related issues, and the biennial Arjumand Painting Award for emerging artists, among others.

Those interested in joining the bidding for paintings or joining classes should send an email to the Gallery 6 on mail@gallery6islamabad.com. Their action will not only help them, but also the families in need.