The Southport Artists For Ukraine event has raised over £4,000 for victims of the war in Ukraine.
The event took place at Southport Market over four days from 7th-10th April and has raised a total of £4,333 so far – although people can still donate through a JustGiving page here.
Artists from across the UK donated their works of art to the exhibition, which were subsequently sold by sealed bids.
Money was also raised through a Grand Charity Raffle, while donations were also made at the event.
Visitors also enjoyed a superb array of poetry, dance, music, and performance, celebrating Ukrainian culture.
All proceeds from the event go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to support Ukrainian people displaced by conflict.
Southport Artists For Ukraine co-organiser Tony Wynne said: “We are seeing devastating pictures from Ukraine all the time.
“In Mariupol, they have run out of food, they have run out of bullets, and yet they are still fighting – they are on their own, and time is running out for them.
“There are lots of issues that people are worrying about. But what is happening in Ukraine is a long-term situation, and they will need our ongoing support.
“What is happening in places like Mariupol, in Bucha, in Kyiv, and elsewhere in Ukraine is utterly heartbreaking.
“Our immediate aim through Southport Artists For Ukraine was to create funds to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. But funding has to be ongoing.
“One day we hope that Ukrainian people will be able to return and to begin rebuilding their country, and we have to be able to help them to do that.
“From speaking with people from Ukraine, what really comes across is the incredible passion that they have for their own country, which you can see with how they are fighting for and defending their land and their people, which is an inspiration to all of humanity.
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy is showing himself to be one of the greatest figures of this century.”
The Southport Artists For Ukraine event was put together in just four weeks by a team dedicated to supporting Ukrainian people displaced and affected by the conflict in their country.
Tony Wynne said: “We really appreciate all the performers for giving their time and our artists for donating their art.
“In terms of the artwork being donated we can honestly say it’s one of the most eclectic exhibitions we’ve ever put together.”
For more details email: saftu2022@gmail.com or join the Southport Artists For Ukraine Facebook group.
OTS News on Social Media