Kildare group at the heart of Irish effort to raise €100,000 for Gaza

Irish Visual Artists for Gaza, a Kildare-based collective of over 100 Irish artists, designers, and makers, has already raised more than €85,000 for life-saving aid

Irish Visual Artists for Gaza, a Kildare based collective of over 100 Irish artists, designers, and makers, has already raised more than €85,000 for life-saving aid. This Christmas, they aim to surpass  €100,000 with their Christmas Bonanza draw, featuring an incredible range of prizes donated by  artists from across Ireland. 

The group have been blown away by the response to their nationwide call-out for prize donations.  Among the artwork up for grabs are work by painter Ciara O’Neill, fashion designers Helen Steele and  Claire Garvey, Laura Chambers Cashmere, The Costume Room Dublin, Peelo, Lillian Ecock, Mary  Nagle, Rasher, Eoin O’Connor and many many more! 

Kildare at the Heart of Compassion 

The Irish Visual Artists for Gaza initiative began earlier this year when Celbridge trio - art teacher Dee  Conneely, HR professional Aoife Neasy, and human rights worker Leigh Brady - combined their skills  to organise art draws for families displaced by the genocide. Leigh, who lived in Palestine for over five years, was deeply affected by the stories she heard from families in Gaza who had lost everything, and working with Aoife and Dee, they decided to organise a fundraiser.  

“I’ve always believed in the power of art to connect and inspire,” Dee Conneely explained. “Through this initiative, we’re not only raising funds but also showing solidarity with those enduring such hardship.” 

Since their formation the group has been met with heartwarming support form local artists around  Kildare such as Sam agus Neasa and artists from “Gather” in Kildare town – Sarah McEvoy, Boldlines  Jewellery, Pickled Pom Pom, and Laura Jayne Halton – all of whom have contributed pieces to the various fundraisers. 

Another Kildare artist providing ongoing support to the group is Anne-Marie Farrell. Together they have been working on a collaboration with art shop Jam Art Factory.  The Maynooth-based illustrator has illustrated dozens of portraits of Gazans over the past year, focusing on journalists,  mothers, and children. A limited edition of one of her portraits will soon be on sale with all proceeds  going to support families in Gaza.  

One of the top prizes included in the Christmas bonanza is a contribution from renowned Naas artist  Niamh Moran - a stunning illustration entitled Moonlight at Sea. From Connemara to Lake Erie.

On-going initiatives 

Aoife Neasy said, “We recently sold 14 exquisite stained-glass sunbirds, created by artist Amanda Waite, to honour children who lost their  lives in Gaza over the past year. The proceeds will go to Ahmed Wishah, a 23-year-old Gazan  displaced himself multiple times, who is leading a winter project to replace worn tents for families in  Central Gaza. Donations can be made via the Irish Visual Artists for Gaza Instagram page."

In addition to the Christmas Bonanza Draw, Irish Visual Artists for Gaza has partnered with Gaza Go  Bragh, an Irish-Palestinian collective, to directly aid displaced families. Through the Families in Focus initiative, nearly €10,000 has been raised by spotlighting individual families each week and organizing  art and design prize draws. The group has also hosted creative fundraisers, including live auctions,  raffles, and the memorable Gig for Gaza in Dublin, which featured live music and art sales. 

You can help support Gaza’s most vulnerable families by purchasing tickets for the Christmas Bonanza draw. Buy your tickets HERE today. 

Every ticket sold brings us one step closer to the €100,000 goal, providing essential aid. The draw will  take place live on Instagram on Wednesday 18 December and Thursday, December 19. Visit  @irish_visual_artists_for_gaza on Instagram for more information and to see the full list of prizes.