A line in the sand: an artistic response in support of humanitarian efforts in Gaza

In the heart of Gaza, the toll of conflict claims the lives of innocent women and children every passing hour. The art world has become divided, but we are not. Refusing to stay silent, we are collectively drawing a line in the sand standing tall in solidarity. 

Because under international humanitarian and human rights laws, all parties must protect children from harm and afford them the special protection to which they are entitled. Because under international humanitarian and human rights laws, all parties must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and all civilians including hostages have the right to health care. Two thirds of Gaza war dead are women and children. Two mothers are killed every hour and seven women every two hours in Gaza, the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. 

Bleur and all participating artists stand in solidarity with the Gaza Sunbirds who are providing much needed community-led aid to Gaza. 100% of the proceeds of this auction will be donated to supporting their frontline initiative on the ground.

"We are not aid workers, but a group of athletes that knows how to make things happen in Gaza. We launched this community aid campaign to provide essentials to our communities. Our network of Staff, Athletes and Volunteers work together to secure and distribute resources across the South of the Gaza Strip. We do not bring aid into Gaza. Instead, we source food from remaining farms, warehouses, and supermarkets and distribute them in areas where traditional aid organisations are no longer able to reach. Due to our smaller size, we are also able to respond to individual needs within the community." - The Gaza Sunbirds

Curators' note: We acknowledge the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the atrocities that have taken place on both sides. As a female-led label, we cannot sit and celebrate this end of year from the comfort of our homes in London while overlooking the unfolding suffering. We are holding space for reflection and resilience, because we won't stop advocating for children and women's right to protection and safety under international humanitarian and human rights laws. This auction is part of the 'BLEUR in solidarity', a long-term initiative in support of humanitarian efforts to protect women and children in zones of conflict.

Data source: UN Security Council Meeting coverage on 22nd November 2023, https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15503.doc.htm

About Gaza Sunbirds:
The Sunbirds are a group of para-cyclists, many of whom lost limbs after being attacked at a peaceful protest in Gaza back in 2018 and at this moment in time are focused on delivering aid to thousands of people in Gaza who find themselves under siege.

@gazasunbirds
www.gazasunbirds.org

About BLEUR:
Born in 2019 in South London, BLEUR is the first independent visual art label using art as a force for change.