Across the span of a week, Art Works helped to raise over SGD 30,000 for two incredible organisations: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Atlas Foundation. With both the charity auction in collaboration with UNHCR at Art Works Gallery and Art Works’ donation at the Roaring Lions Dinner auction, the last few weeks has witnessed a seamless integration of the arts with philanthropy.  

On Friday 20th June, Art Works Gallery hosted a charity art auction in collaboration with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Held on World Refugee Day, the event aimed to raise much needed funds and awareness for the cause. With a number of works donated generously by a range of artists and Art Works, the room was abuzz with guests during the auction evening. The auction commenced at 8pm, led by Art Works’ Global Fine Art Director Cassi Young, who possesses extensive experience from Christie’s and Bonhams in London. Alongside the auction, guests were able to try wines and pale ales from Petersons Wines and Deviate, who kindly sponsored the drinks for the evening. We would also like to thank Tim’s Fine Catering for generously providing all of the glassware for the event. All proceeds from the auction went toward UNHCR and the incredible work they carry out across the world.  

Installation view of Sylvie Kettle's Pyramid Beings (2023) and Danielle Solk's Nebula (2025) at Art Works Gallery 

UNHCR is a global organization that carries out crucial action across the globe to aid those who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict and persecution. Working in over 130 countries, it protects and cares for more than 123 million people, including refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. UNHCR not only provides short term support and life-saving assistance, but it also works with countries to improve and monitor refugee and asylum laws and policies. With the increasing numbers of displaced people, UNHCR also continues to support former refugees who have since returned home and are hoping to rebuild their lives. Through this important work, UNHCR is able to safeguard and uphold fundamental human rights and develop solutions to ensure a safe future for those in need.  

The auction commenced with an eclectic print by Indonesian artist RizRizRizz, celebrated for his playful, satirical works that reflect on his own lived experience. Following this, two woodcuts by Singaporean artist Zhang Fuming sold to successful bidders, both of which had been exhibited at AC43 Gallery in 2022 in an exhibition titled Props and Poses. Fuming has created intricately layered portraits of contemporary society, integrating the cultural traditions of woodcut within a modern context. One of the highlights of the evening was Andy Yang’s vibrant composition titled Benevolence (2020). In honour of Yang’s late friend Eugenia Gajardo, the artist described how the painting “emerged from countless heart- expanding dialogues about life, mortality, and the quiet power of companionship during her journey.” Other lots in the sale included Sylvie Kettle’s Pyramid Beings (2023) and Danielle Solk’s Nebula (2025), both generously donated by the artists. Finally, the auction closed with the sale of Fuming’s large-scale woodcut, Studio (2022), that depicts two figures gazing on a sprawling studio set. Despite the initial impression that the moment captured is one of stillness and intimacy, the manicured backdrop of the studio brings in an artificial tinge to the scene, creating a subtle tension that adds further depth to the work. Studio was also shown at Props and Poses, within which Fuming commented on the artificiality of material pursuit and social rank. Overall, the auction raised over SGD 16,000 for UNHCR, which the organisation will be able to utilise to help those in need across the globe.  

Installation view of Andy Yang's Benevolence (2020)

Alongside this exciting collaboration with UNHCR, Art Works also donated a work by Judy Watson Napangardi for a charity auction at the Roaring Lions Singapore Dinner 2025 on June 12th, 2025. Proceeds from the auction went toward the Atlas Foundation, an international children’s charity that utilises rugby to help children across the world, delivering health, education, and inclusion programmes. Atlas have provided food, clean water, teaching, coaching and guidance to over 200,000 children in need. The evening was hosted by Ben Nicholson of the Anita, Alex, and Annabel Nicolson Memorial Fund, who tragically lost his family in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday 2019.  

Art Works donated Judy Watson Napangardi’s Snake Vine Dreaming, a vibrant painting that encapsulates both the cultural and aesthetic essence of Watson’s practice. Bidding began at SGD 5,000 before the painting hammered at a high SGD 15,000. It was announced that SGD 15,000 would be able to fund three schoolteachers for a year, highlighting the impact of such donations for the cause. Judy Watson Napangardi’s works can be found in a number of major institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of NSW, Berndt Museum of Anthropology, South Australian Museum, Aboriginal Art Museum Utrecht and Kelton Foundation. Her works have also been auctioned on numerous occasions, achieving a current record of AUD 216,000 for Women’s Dreaming (1995) at Lawson-Menzies in 2008.   

Judy Watson Napangardi, Snake Vine Dreaming

Art Works is delighted to have been able to contribute to both events and support the important work of these organisations. In a statement released on World Refugee Day, Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasised the importance of solidarity and support for refugees as they try and rebuild their lives in the wake of fleeing. These moments can also be used to acknowledge the strength and courage of communities across the world and the adversities they have faced. It is an honour to be able to integrate the arts with such incredible causes, raising both funds and awareness.  Thank you to everyone for their generosity in supporting both causes. 

To learn more about the Atlas Foundation click here  

A message from Wendy Ong, Private Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency: 

“Dear friends and supporters,  

Thanks to all who came to the gallery to commemorate World Refugee Day last Friday

UNHCR’s High Commissioner shared a powerful message from Syria, where he met families returning home after more than a decade of displacement. Their joy at being back among familiar faces is a poignant reminder of what refugees long for: safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild. But such moments of hope are only possible through solidarity - solidarity from host countries, from local communities, and from people like you. (You can access his message here)  

Around the world, conflict continues to unleash untold human suffering. And just when refugees need us most, brutal cuts to humanitarian aid are choking off the very programmes that keep them alive. Chronic underfunding continues to jeopardize UNHCR’s ability to fulfil its mandate, leaving millions of forcibly displaced and stateless people without critical support. As of May 2025, UNHCR has available 23% of the total budget required for the year.    

We are proud to have supported refugees through the auction. With the support of our collectors we found homes for 5 of the 7 artworks that were generously donated, raising vital funds. If you are able to make a small donation to support UNHCR, please use this link.    

Your support allows UNHCR to respond to emergencies, protect lives, and help refugees rebuild around the world. 

Together, we can keep the flame of solidarity burning – even beyond World Refugee Day. 

Thank you, 

UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency”