Durban charity art auction reaches all the right touchpoints
The beneficiary was the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA), with money to be used for its Covid-19 relief fund.
THE Tawakul ‘Women of Art for Aid’ initiative recently culminated in a Charity Art Auction at Aucor Durban.
Donated artworks by more than 50 female artists from across South Africa were showcased on the Tawakul crowdfunding site during Women’s Month and Heritage Month. The beneficiary was the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA), with money to be used for its Covid-19 relief fund.
A generous figure of approximately R80 000 was raised during the online auction, and more than R40 000 was raised in a pre-bidding period.
“There were eventually over 90 pieces of art by professionals and hobbyists and all of them were given in the hope that funds could be raised specifically for the medical relief effort. Our frontline workers and medical personnel in particular put their lives on the line in order to help treat and care for those infected by the dreaded coronavirus. Most of us know of someone who has been affected by Covid-19 and some of us have lost friends, family and colleagues to the pandemic. It’s sad and tragic that we couldn’t do more to help them,” said managing director of Tawakul, M Hoosen Essof in a post-auction statement.
Hafiz Yunus Paruk, marketing manager of Al Baraka Bank, said: “On behalf of Al Baraka Bank we are indeed grateful for the opportunity to be a co-sponsor for the Women of Art for Aid first-ever virtual charity auction. We appreciate the efforts that Tawakul have made in this initiative. Aucor auctioneers’ part in the facilitation and efforts too must be acknowledged, and to all the women who have donated their art pieces for the benefit of the Covid relief fund we salute you all.”
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Durban artist and director of L’Art Arabe Gallery, Shehnaz Desai said she was delighted to participate in the Tawakul art initiative and auction.
“Being part of a community of artists from around South Africa is truly amazing. L’Art Arabe Gallery in Musgrave, Durban served as a collection point for artworks en route to the top bidders.”
Sanabelle Ebrahim, a Durban-based artist and calligrapher, said: “I am delighted to have participated in such an admirable initiative. It is incredible that South African women artists used their paintbrushes to support Covid relief efforts. One of my prints, ‘Radiant Grace’ was part of a Tawakul Giveaway in an Instagram Live lucky draw at the end of Women’s Month.”
Speaking at the Charity Art Auction at Aucor Durban, Dr Shakira Cassim from the IMASA-Durban branch expressed: “We on behalf of IMASA would really like to commend and appreciate the efforts of the Women in Art and we also acknowledge the time, the patience, and the sacrifice that they’ve put in to produce such beautiful works of art. We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to them from one art form to another and especially bringing joy and life to others.”
Dr Cassim was accompanied by her husband, Dr Ebrahim Khan, chairman of the IMASA-Durban branch.
“I especially want to salute the women who painstakingly painted all the artworks and then so generously put these forward for the purpose of charity for the benefit of mankind,” said Dr Khan.
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