No doubt of interest to those from an artistic and graphic design background, the event has been backed by the organisation Youth Projects. An auction of art will take place in a venue in the park on Wellington Parade. Visitors from Prahran may attend the Art and Soul show there.
The Art and Soul auction should involve silent bidding for approximately 30 pieces, with proceeds going to charity. Youth Projects supports individuals who are homeless, vulnerable or disadvantaged. Its chief executive, Ben Vasiliou, explained that the auction had emerged from the emphasis the organisation had placed on art therapy. He told The Age:
“Our art therapy is a program that we use to support homeless clients in Melbourne. We use therapeutic interventions as well as creative techniques to support clients on their journey, but also to get them to tell us their story.”
Vasiliou is hoping to alter the public perception of the homeless. In his experience, stereotypes can be really misleading, and he is clear that it is possible to become homeless due to mental health problems, disabilities or redundancy.
Gail Thompson is an artist who is currently resident in temporary housing. Having gained self-esteem from her achievements, her work has now been displayed at this exhibition.