Wirral based graphic artist Kate Pinch is no stranger to having her work displayed in public but says it’s always better when it’s in aid of a good cause.
Her next public exhibition certainly fits that description, as it’s a one-day pop-up event to mark World Refugee Day.
Katie (main image) who’s previously worked on designs for the likes of Radisson Red and Ancestry UK said she’s “delighted to be taking part at the event”, which takes place at Arts Bar Hope Street next week.
Katie, who graduated from John Moores university in 2018, previously showcased work at the venue this March, in support of International Women’s Day.
The Bebington based artist, whose bold figurative work has a strong narrative element, is extremely supportive of Arts Bar Hope Street and says, “I’m always happy to work with the team there, they’re really respectful of artists and genuinely believe in the causes they support”.
Visual arts curator for Arts Bar Hope Street, Laura McCann, is proud of what they do to champion independent creatives and when asked about the event. She said, “Art transcends geographical borders and language barriers, so we wanted to emphasise that and bring people together to mark this day by hosting artists from around the world and the local community.”
The day will also feature work by international artists. Marzieh (pictured above), who is originally from Iran, cites Henri Matisse as a big influence and says Persian calligraphy is an essential aspect of her work, commenting that “it reflects my identity and deep connection to my Persian roots.”
Mariana Po (pictured above) is from Kyiv but had to relocate here after the Russian invasion last year.
Mariana recently gained huge recognition after designing a large piece of graphic art that spanned the bottom of Bold Street, celebrating Liverpool hosting the Eurovision contest on behalf of the Ukraine.
Much of Mariana’s work involves portraiture, as she explains, “People’s faces are my muse, whispering tales of joy, sorrow, love, and longing.”
Arts Bar Hope Street hopes the day raise awareness but also funds and a pound from every special world refugee drink sold on the day will go to charity.
Additionally, all the artists involved in the event have pledged 10% of profits from art sold will go to the same charity, namely Sahir House’s life-saving LGBTQ+ Refugee & Asylum Service, for which the charity currently receives no funding to operate.
Sahir House’s CEO Ant Hopkinson said, “The Arts Bar’s World Refugee Day Exhibition is a fantastic initiative and one which we very much welcome.
“Whilst Merseyside is renowned for being friendly and welcoming it is clear that relevant practical and emotional support is still sorely lacking and funding is scarce. We need all the help and donations we can muster to continue to operate our vital support services.”
The World Refugee Day event is on from 12-6pm on Tuesday 20 June 2023 at Arts Bar Hope Street and entry is free to all. For more information about the event or artists, please head to lauramccannphotos.com or follow her on Instagram @lauramccannphotos 
Images: Laura McCann
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