Red Cross launches ‘Embers of Empathy’ artwork project to provide support to people affected by Blue Mountains bushfires via GPY&R, Sydney

Australia’s leading artists and George Patterson Y&R Sydney are teaming up with Red Cross in 2014 for a landmark project to provide relief and recovery support for people affected by the state’s recent bushfires.

The innovative ‘Embers of Empathy’ project will see prominent Australian artists use charred fragments from houses and land destroyed in the recent Blue Mountains bushfires to create unique artworks that will be auctioned next year to support Red Cross disaster relief and recovery work.

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Says Di Jay, executive director for Red Cross in NSW: “Natural Disasters like the recent bushfires in NSW are a recurring and tragic aspect of life in Australia.

“We hope ‘Embers of Empathy’ will not only provide ongoing help for those recovering from the

bushfires, but help ensure Red Cross will always be there to provide relief and recovery support

where and whenever disaster strikes.”

Says Andrew Dowling, GPY&R group managing director: “Our relationship with Red Cross goes

back to the 1940s when our founder, George Patterson was an active member of the NSW Red

Cross Board.

“We are particularly pleased to be working with Red Cross as they head into their centenary year

next year, celebrating 100 years of Red Cross in Australia.”

Prominent artists represented by the Olsen Irwin Gallery have already started the creative process of turning charcoal into art, and the entire ‘Embers of Empathy’ project will culminate in a star studded art auction in Sydney early next year.”