Artists Unite to Support The Victims Of Baby Dumping In South Africa

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A South African non-profit organization has launched an innovative art campaign, hoping to raise a million in local currency which will be donated to the pressing crisis of abandoned babies.

Durban, South Africa – (PressReleasePoint) - A local non-profit organization, everyONEcounts, has launched an innovative art campaign, hoping to raise a million in local currency which will be donated to the pressing crisis of abandoned babies.

More than 700 babies are dumped throughout South Africa each year - wrapped in plastic garbage bags, most are left for dead in open fields, garbage bins and toilets.

The organization, founded by local artist Lara Mellon, aims to collect and exhibit 1000 original 30X30cm creative works, in any medium, which will each be sold for ZAR1000 (approx. $140), ultimately raising one million South African Rand.

The appeal for art, announced earlier this year, has resulted in over 500 works received to date from artists, crafters and photographers in Australia, Canada, Cypress, Denmark, Taiwan, New York, the UK, Zambia and from all over South Africa.

The real heart of this campaign, however, is for artists to unite with one voice and do what they can in order to make a difference to even one abandoned life.

Anyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to get involved. By exhibiting and selling professional and amateur works together and for the same amount, everyONEcounts hopes to reinforce the message that all lives are equally valuable.

The exhibition, which kicks off on 25 November, will be held at The Quays in Durban, South Africa, which forms part of the new Point Waterfront development. The use of this exciting venue was donated to the organization and lends itself perfectly to the exhibition, which will run for 3 weeks featuring entertainment, workshops, a coffee shop and artists-in-residence.

Donated artworks must be received by 30 October 2010. Artists wishing to pledge an artwork can do so through the campaign website: http://www.everyonecounts.co.za where all the works are available for viewing and purchasing.