Art auction by UNHCR and Venerable Vudhijaya Vajiramedhi to raise funds for refugee shelter

BANGKOK, 15 February 2017 –The UN Refugee Agency, in collaboration with a prominent Buddhist monk in Thailand, Venerable Vudhijaya Vajiramedhi (V.Vajiramedhi), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Khao Yai Art Museum and Hybrid Art Collectors, today launched an “Art Auction for Refugees” project in aneffort to tackle the huge funding shortfall for sheltering refugees worldwide.

Proceeds (after expenses) will be donated to UNHCR’s global campaign, called “Nobody Left Outside”, to build or improve shelter for 2 million refugees in 12 countries around the world, including Jordan, Lebanon, Rwanda and Chad.

“We are grateful to Venerable V.Vajiramedhi for taking the lead in convening prominent figures in the artistic circles in Thailand, to help shelter refugees,” said Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, UNHCR Thailand Representative. “A shelter – be it a tent, a makeshift structure or a house – is the basic building block for refugees to survive and recover from the physical and mental effects of violence and persecution.”

The “Art Auction for Refugees” project features 31 masterpieces from 25 well-known artists and photographers in Thailand, including National Artists such as Chalood Nimsamer, Nontiwat Chantanapali, Chuang Moolpinit, Preecha Thaothong and Panya Vijinthanasarn.

“In light of the global refugee crisis that has forced 65 million people to flee their homes, refugees deserve compassion from the world, now more than ever,” said Venerable V. Vajiramedhi, who established the Vimuttayalaya Institute to promote peace and loving kindness among people. “Helping refugees is helping ourselves. Our mind is lifted when we accept each other beyond religion, race or borders.”

All of the 31 artworks will be showcased and open for public viewing between 15 -19 February 2017 at the Lifestyle Hall, 2nd floor, Siam Paragon in Bangkok. On the opening day, there will be a special auction of from the personal memorabilia of celebrities such as Saharat “Kong” Sangkapricha,  Vuthithorn "Woody" Milintachinda and Naphat “Nai” Siangsomboon. 

After the exhibition, all of the art pieces will be available for auction on Saturday 11 March 2017 at MOCA. The auction is exclusive and by invitation only.

To express your interest in joining the auction, please contact tel. 062 780 5436

To support the “Nobody Left Outside” campaign, please go to  www.unhcr.or.th/NobodyLeftOutside

Plase download information about the Art Auction for refugees here