Discover the beauty of African art while helping communities in The Gambia

‘Artists for Gambia’ is a project that combines art with action for those in need. On our Facebook group, we organise auctions of artistic works, with proceeds going to support education, improving the lives of children and animals and other local initiatives in The Gambia.

How did it get started?

Our first auction was organised thanks to our collaboration with Polish artists who personally donated their works to the Foundation. The auctions featured paintings, handicrafts, as well as CDs and vinyl – items of great cultural significance. 

Artists for Gambia included artists such as: 19 Wiosen, Andrzej Smolik, Art Sroczka, Bogusz Bilewski, Dorota Bartosiak, Dorota Dudkiewicz, Dorota and Henryk Miśkiewicz, Ewa Waszczuk, Katarzyna Niewęgłowska, Magdalena Maliszewska, Małgorzata Hajduczek, Marcin Pryt, Marek Napiórkowski, mlody maciek, Slumsi Tutka and Tytus. Proceeds from the auction contributed to a fund supporting activities in The Gambia.

With the raised funds we were able to:

• equip day care centres and schools with educational materials (notebooks, crayons, backpacks),
• organise campaigns to distribute reflectors, toys and other aids to children,
• carry out vaccination and treatment campaigns for animals, helping in the fight against rabies and dog homelessness.

Gambian artists in the spotlight

Over time, the promotion and support of Gambian artists and artisans has become the main objective of the project. As the board of the foundation, either personally or with the help of Volunteers, we have established many collaborations with local artists by purchasing their works such as paintings, masks, figurines, bracelets or other handicrafts.

These items then go to our auctions and the proceeds from their sale go entirely to the foundation’s work in The Gambia – from supporting children to educational campaigns to helping animals. In this way, we support communities in The Gambia in two ways: firstly by helping the artists financially, and then by donating the proceeds from the auctions to local activities.

So far, we have organised three editions of auctions featuring works by Gambian artists. Each one has not only raised funds to help, but has also given auction participants the opportunity to discover the beauty of African art and tradition.

You can find examples of the beautiful handicrafts on our Facebook group.

Special editions of auctions – India, Christmas and support for Kuba

The project organises special editions of auctions, such as a successful auction of works from India (e.g. pashmina scarves, jewellery and Indian woodwork), or a festive edition featuring Easter eggs. The aim invariably remains the same – to help the local community and animals in The Gambia.

Also worth mentioning are the auctions dedicated to Kuba – our trusted Volunteer who, despite struggling with cancer, creates extraordinary handicrafts such as rosary bracelets, bird feeders and birdhouses. We are using the proceeds from this edition of the auction to support his treatment and develop his artistic skills.

Why is it worth taking part?

Each auction is a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional items of great artistic and cultural significance. Proceeds from the auction go towards activities such as:

• the purchase of educational materials for children in The Gambia (notebooks, backpacks, crayons),
• the organisation of vaccination and treatment campaigns for dogs, helping to combat rabies, 
• educational and artistic workshops for children and young people,
• other forms of assistance to the local community, such as dental visits or the donation of reflectors and waistcoats to improve children’s safety when returning from school.

How to join?

All auctions take place on our Facebook group:

👉 Charity Auctions – Artists for The Gambia 💚🇬🇲 Ready Steady Go Foundation

Everyone can help – all you have to do is take part in the auctions and bid on unique items created by Gambian artists. If you are an artist and would like to donate your artwork for auction – you are also welcome to get in touch.

Together we are building a bridge between cultures and helping to change the lives of communities in The Gambia for the better.