New art at Newtown ArtSeat by Sharon Billinge

Thursday 3 June 2021

The latest ArtSeat is designed to “raise awareness of refugee families in the Inner West and their connection to our community,” according to featured artist Sharon Billinge.

The art is based on photographs taken of children using the Mums 4 Refugees service based in the Inner West.

“Mums 4 Refugees is a charity organisation that provides social, material and legal aid to refugees and people seeking asylum,” said Sharon.

“Currently they are working alongside the Refugee Council of Australia on the #nochildleftbehind campaign.

“This campaign highlights how precarious refugee and asylum seeker families livelihoods are in the current pandemic.

“I wanted to show the group of children as happy, cheeky and interacting just like any group of ordinary Aussie kids even though their lives are filled with uncertainty.

“The project puts a face to refugee families and highlights a shared goal of wanting a safe, stable place to bring up our families supported by the community around us,” Sharon said.

Incorporating public seating and lighting, the ArtSeat is also a landmark meeting point.

For an interview with the artist, or print quality image of Sharon Billinge with children from the Mums 4 Refugees service at the ArtSeat, contact the Communication team.

For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au