SCCI IMAAC 2021

29 July - 3 August 2021

Funds raised by IMAAC Art Auction 2021 were donated to an Israeli-Arab youth programme facilitated by the Israel Museum. Promoting closer connection and friendship between Arab and Jewish students in the turmoil-scarred city of Lod, this venture produced by Israel’s pre-eminent cultural institution promotes cross-cultural education, solace and peace for young people affected by tension and violence.

“The goal is to produce a visually expressive channel that creates a positive environment, close connections and friendship between the Arab and Jewish students”, says Rachel Shaul, Director of Development and International Relations at the Israel Museum. “We believe that co-creation and material expression in spaces of culture and industry can bring hearts together and heal wounds. The success of the venture may lead to its expansion into more circles among friends, family members and the community at large.”

Cultural philanthropist and IMAAC Chair, Dr Gene Sherman AM, says: "The Museum’s hopes for peace and cross-cultural reconciliation are strongly echoed in many parts of the world including, of course Australia. The Jerusalem-sited museum's programming speaks to diverse audiences: secular and orthodox Jews, moderate and conservative Arabs and communities interested in visual practice (including archeology, architecture, design and costume) across the ages. Young people, trapped in conflict mode and those seeking solutions to intractable Middle Eastern problems, (all regular visitors to the Gallery), bear testimony to the fact that the Israel Museum stands as a space in which dangerous ideas can be safely expressed. Supporting its core mission remains our duty.”