Nourishing the Roots of Empathy

Art for Change, curators of the 2017 refugee themed exhibition Where Shall We Call Home?, continues its work of using art to raise awareness about important social issues by presenting Nourishing the Roots of Empathy: Towards a Non-Violent Aotearoa/New Zealand, a fundraising exhibition of works around the theme of human empathy – brought into even sharper focus by the recent tragic events in Christchurch.

Participating artists will include many who contributed to the previous exhibition, and many more who are likely to answer the call-out for artwork donations. Artwork created by children taking part in the programmes run by the Roots of Empathy organisation in primary schools will also be on display.

With so many stories in the media about violence, abuse and bullying, people often feel powerless to bring about change, and Art for Change hope this exhibition offers an opportunity for artists and art lovers to contribute to the positive input that the Roots of Empathy programme brings, helping future generations to ‘place themselves in the shoes of the other’, and so reduce the misunderstanding, prejudice and stereotyping that can lead to anger and violence.

Funds raised by the sale of artworks will be donated to help train more facilitators, and provide necessary equipment and resources, so that Roots of Empathy can meet the growing demand from primary schools for this important programme.

If you would like to contribute artwork to this exhibition, on-line submissions open on June 7 at:
www.artforchange.net

Keep up to date with exhibition news and information about the issues related to the project at:
https://www.facebook.com/ArtForChangeNZ

Find out more about the Roots of Empathy organisation's work at:
https://nz.rootsofempathy.org/new-zealand