Photographs for Peace: 31 Leading Female Photographers Unite for Humanitarian Impact

Sydney, 5 Jan 2024 – Agender, a collective of female and non-binary photographers, is set to launch Photographs for Peace, an affordable art charity print campaign featuring the donated works of 31 artists. The fundraiser will run for two weeks from 19 January until 2 February 2024.

Responding to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, largely impacting women and children, Photographs for Peace aims to raise funds for the emergency efforts of Médecins Sans Frontières and Save the Children; independent, neutral, and impartial organisations dedicated to saving lives and providing essential support for children and their caregivers.

The artists – both prominent and emerging – span the worlds of fine art, travel, and documentary photography, whose prints otherwise range from $200 to $7,000; photographers who have been exhibited at The Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Portrait Gallery; as well as established photojournalists and commercial photographers, whose personal work is rarely if ever available to the public for purchase.

Long-time admirers now have the opportunity to own an artwork for themselves at an accessible price of $70 + shipping for an 8 x 10 or 8 x 12 inch archival quality, open edition print.

The initiative, beyond fundraising, seeks to foster solidarity and shared responsibility in a time of overwhelming hopelessness and helplessness.

“We live in such a content heavy world, and it can feel tough to constantly produce image/content that is not helping or saving any lives,” says Emily May Gunawan, a participating artist.

“The war in Gaza is harrowing. Every day, people are putting their lives on the line to save others. I hope that our work as photographers and artists can contribute, even in some small way, to two organisations that are working tirelessly on the front lines.” says photographer Alex Vaughan.

“I feel completely helpless,” says photographer Amy Woodward. She goes on to add “…this feels like a small gesture of solidarity and support as I sit here in safety and comfort, witnessing the most abhorrent and brutal attacks on a population comprised of 50% children and babies. As a mother, I cannot and will not stand by and watch these horrors unfold in silence…”

“I am honoured to be amongst so many talented female artists aligning for a very important cause.” says photographer Yasmin Mund.

Lucent Imaging, a carbon neutral fine art printing and digital imaging consultancy, has joined Agender as the official charity print partner.

Scheduled for mid-January – as the Israel-Hamas war edges towards 100 days – the campaign offers a moment of reflection amidst the post-December consumerist rush, emphasising the enduring impact of mindful choices.

The charities have offered these words.

“Currently, no child in Gaza is safe from violence. Children in the region are enduring hunger, lack of shelter and limited access to medical assistance.” says Hannah Jennings, Community Fundraising Coordinator at Save the Children. “Save the Children is so appreciative to receive the support of Agender. Thanks to the support of the community, we can continue our work fighting for a world where every child can thrive.”

“MSF is so grateful for the generosity shown by this collective of Australian photographers,” says Teneale Cameron, Senior Fundraising Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières Australia. “This comes at a time where the medical humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond catastrophic. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further civilian deaths and to allow aid workers unrestricted access to provide lifesaving medical care to the two million Gazans who desperately need it today.”

Photographer Stephanie Pedersen captures the collective sentiment of all involved in the campaign: “Sending heartfelt prayers to those in Gaza.”

Photographs for Peace launches on 19 January 2024. Every dollar raised above basic print costs and payment processing fees is donated directly to the charities.

Supporters can sign up for launch and preview the artworks here: https://www.agender.com.au/fundraiser2024

Participating Photographers:

Alex Vaughan, Amy Woodward, Ana Suntay-Tañedo, Bec Lorrimer, Britt Murphy, Cara O'Dowd, Cybele Malinowski, Elise Hassey, Emily May, Grace Costa, Lilli Waters, Lisa Maree Williams, Liz Ham, Lucy Alcorn, Michele Aboud, Ming Nomchong, Natalie Finney, Penny Lane, Petrina Tinslay, Sally Ann, Sian Fay, Sim Kaur, Stef King, Stephanie Cammarano, Stephanie Pedersen, Stephanie Simcox, Tanja Bruckner, Tess Lehman, Tracey Nearmy, Yasmin Mund and Yasmin Suteja.