No Borders

Artists

Alistair Gow, Anupa Gardner, Bronwen Sleigh, Campbell Barclay, Craig Coulthard, David Iain Brown, Elizabeth Bevington, Emily Moore, Eric Cruikshank, Hannah Lim, Hugo Harris, Ian Healy, Jack Dunnett, Joe Buhat, Kristina Chan, Lynsey MacKenzie, Matt Farr, Naomi McClure, Neil Kellas, Pimpawan Wangamonmit, Rosaleigh Harvey-Otway, Rosalind Lawless, Rowan Paton, Ruby Pluhar, Sarinda Devine, Shipei Wang and Alex Weir, Sophia Pauley, Tessa Maudlin, Yasmin Moore-Milne

Press Release

This art exhibition called ‘No Borders’ to support Scottish artists and raise funds for cancer charity, Maggie’s.

The unique online exhibition will feature over 100 original pieces of affordable art from 30 emerging artists coming out of Scotland, and run from 4 July until 30 September - with 20 per cent of proceeds earmarked for Maggie’s.

Artists including Craig Coulthard to Shipei Wang, Rowan Paton and Hannah Lim are just some of the names that will feature in the unique online exhibition.

The ‘No Borders’ initiative was set up by Hugo Barclay owner of visual arts agency ArtThou - to support emerging talent in the art community and raise funds for Maggie’s in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hugo explains: “Times like these have made all us reflect on our societies, our systems and what is really important. ArtThou is an agency known for its online exhibitions exploring social and cultural issues and sit in unique viewing rooms on the ArtThou website.

“Our online art exhibitions are ideal for the situation at the moment as people cannot get out and about and we are still allowing people to view and purchase art in the privacy of their own homes.

“Most specifically, I set up ‘No Borders’ as an initiative inviting artists to submit artwork around a ‘No Borders’ theme because regardless of our political, social and cultural affinities, we all need to come together to support each other as best we can at times like these. The pieces of art offered will also be affordable and inclusive ranging between £200 and £500.”

Hugo adds: “I started this as a positive initiative to encourage generosity, championing some of the best emerging artists coming out of Scotland and to support Maggie’s, who themselves support some of the most vulnerable in society. Art and architecture and the belief that this can uplift emotions is also at the core of all Maggie’s Centres and I believe our online offering for Maggie’s is a great fit at this time.

“Maggie’s is a charity that’s close to my heart having supported family and friends in the past. My partner and I moved to Spain in January for work and have been stuck here in lockdown since the start of the pandemic. During this time, my father-in-law was unfortunately diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“Being stuck in Madrid, while all our family are back home in Scotland has been tough and that’s why it made perfect sense for us to partner with Maggie’s, who offer support for so many people living with cancer, especially during these tough times.”

Rowan Paton is one of the artists involved in the No Borders exhibition and is also delighted to be supporting Maggie’s at this time.

Rowan said: “My partner’s brother was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiform 26 months ago. At the same time, her father was also diagnosed with throat cancer. She has been fortunate enough to use the brilliant Edinburgh Maggie’s Centre over past two years.

“Maggie’s even offered her a six-week course on managing stress where she was able to talk openly about this harrowing experience in a safe space and with a community. This positive experience has helped her enormously and we are very grateful. We certainly didn’t think as a relative and not someone with an actual diagnosis that there would be relevant support for her.

“What’s wonderful about Maggie’s is that they provide that support for family and friends too; they are tireless people providing much needed assistance. I’m really pleased to be supporting the charity by having my art in the No Borders exhibition – delighted to help Maggie’s in any way I can.”

With many people with cancer shielding and facing changes or delays to treatment, the professional support offered by Maggie’s, either in centres by appointment or by phone, email or online, is needed now more than ever to help people through this challenging time.

Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer and their loved ones take back control.