8 artists’ work you can buy that will support a good cause

If you’re looking for a new artwork for your home, why not choose one that also raises money for an important cause?

Whether it’s a poster, print, or painting, there’s nothing like a new artwork to freshen up any space in your home. It’s definitely something we’re craving at the moment, having spent a lot of time inside our own four walls.

If you’re considering buying some artwork, there are loads of artists who are currently donating some of their proceeds to important causes. In these turbulent times, every donation helps, so here are eight artworks that help to raise money.

‘Unity’, Niamh Gillespie

Irish designer and illustrator Niamh Gillespie has created this print, entitled ‘Unity’ to raise funds for MASI, the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland. Her hand drawn lines and shapes come together to create a graphic and stylised image.

Available in A3 or A2, each print is giclee printed on slightly textured 285gsm fine art velvet paper with archival inks, and is signed and dated. ‘Unity’ is available from €59 from Niamh’s website.

‘All dressed up and nowhere to go’, Karen Hickey

Kildare-based portrait artist Karen Hickey is taking commissions throughout the month of June with 20 per cent of the proceeds going to Dress for Success, which promotes the economic independence of women by providing career development tools and a support network.

Karen’s signature style is colourful and fun, and she hopes the initiative will give people the opportunity to get dressed up, and to capture this moment in their lives. There are three options of portrait size: A4 on unframed paper for €100, 60 x 80 cm on unframed paper for €230, or 2 x 4 foot on framed board for €800. All you need to do is get in contact with Karen and send her three or four photos of yourself, or your desired subject.

‘Embrace’, Rosie Rackham

Creative collective Platform Ldn are collaborating with artists and photographers to raise money for the Black Lives Matter movement. Over 60 artists have donated their work with 100 per cent of profits from the prints sold going to Know Your Rights Camp in America and The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust in the UK.

This design by artist Rosie Rackham has strong lines and contrasting colours, and is available in A5, A4 or A3, from £10.

‘Femme’, Jaz Bhogal

Designer Jaz Bhogal is donating profits from her print ‘Femme’ to BlackVisions and NHS Charities Together. She originally pledged to donate half, and has now updated this to include all profits from this print, so all your money will go directly to these causes.

True to her style of abstract shapes that allude to organic forms such as plants and bodies, Jaz’s print is available in A4 or A3, from £15.

‘Pints Soon’, Aoife Anna Mullan

One of the many excellent prints available through Creatives Against Covid-19, ‘Pints Soon’ would make a hopeful, bright addition to your home. Designed by Aoife Anna Mullan, the print is A3 and costs €40, with all proceeds going to Women’s Aid and ISPCC Childline.

‘Her Wings Unfolded’, Simone Steenberg

One of the prints being offered through The Earth Issue Freedom Fundraiser, this print by fashion photographer Simone Steenberg raises money for bail contributions and organisations fighting for social justice in the wake of the death of George Floyd. The print costs £100, and is 8.2 x 10 inches.

‘Artichokes on purple’, Alice Straker 

London-based artist Alice Straker uses a range of mediums and tools including acrylic, oils, pastels, palette knives and brushes, with a focus on food and texture. This print of her work is A3, printed on 100 per cent recycled paper, and costs £20 from Draw For. All profits are donated to NHS Charities Together.

Hero Hoops, Karena Ryan Textiles

A perfect pick-me-up to send to a loved one you can’t visit right now, these hand-embroidered designs by Galway textile artist Karena Ryan are helping to raise money for Heroes Aid, a non-profit organisation that secures PPE for frontline workers in Ireland.

Karena is donating 100% of the profits of the first 19 hoops that she sells, with 10% of all subsequent sales being donated. They cost €19 each, and Karena can also create personalised designs.

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