Brighton’s Komedia to host “Funk the Borders”

Brighton, UK – 22 December – Komedia Brighton will host Funk the Borders, a special fundraising event showcasing artwork created by 75 children from Gaza’s Sumud School and an online charity auction of a rare lino print by Jez Cunningham of the folk-punk band The Levellers. The evening will bring together art, music and community action to support urgent educational and humanitarian needs. For children in Gaza and refugees in Europe via Sumud tent school in Gaza and RCK Refugee Community Kitchen.

A Facebook post featuring the children and their artwork can be viewed:  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CAgRK1c49/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Each artwork arrives with a personal message from the child who created it, and buyers will have the opportunity to send back a photo of themselves holding the artwork along with a message in return.

Proceeds from the event will directly support:
• Education and learning materials
• Mental-health counselling for children
• Food packages and essential supplies such as books and pens

Event organiser Lora Hughes said: “It’s really important to build those bridges of connection between here and there to stop them being othered. When all you hear are numbers of tragedies, it’s vital to create that bridge so we don’t feel like they’re a million miles away.”

Alongside the exhibition, Funk the Borders will feature performances and music from a wide range of Brighton-based artists such as DJ Pete Bennett from Big Brother fame and Lori Asha, Mad Ralph and Seline Alidina who regularly perform with Brighton’s The Gulls. Up and coming Amy True is travelling down and AJ who has recently starred on a BBC show featuring new raw talent. Music in Our Underpants are listed to entertain us with their punk covers. A husband duo formed in lockdown when their band The Restarts could not play live.

The artwork comes from students of Sumud School, a tent school in Gaza City with 75 students, that’s been forced to relocate repeatedly amid ongoing military bombardments. Earlier this year, funds were raised for desks so children could study amongst the rubble, but these had to be left behind during further displacement.

Event: Funk the Borders
Date: 22 December
Time: 7 pm – Midnight
Venue: Komedia Brighton
Organised by: West Wales Friends of Palestine | Funk the Borders
Tickets: £10 • Everyone welcome (14+). : Reserve here
Access: Contact us for discounts or free tickets, including Free Refugee Passes.

Line-up:
AMY TRUE • AJ • DJ PETE BENNETT • Seline Alidina • MUSIC IN OUR UNDERPANTS • GLACIA • SARAH J BAKER • LORI ASHA • NUTTY • NIAMH
Hosted by: MAD RALPH