Art and conversation goes hand-in-hand. That was the intention behind ‘Artful Giving’, an event aimed to spark conversation about domestic violence.
It was a passion project by Ingrid Kaineder, owner of Acacia house and domestic violence survivor. It consisted of three gallery walks before moving to Gunnedah Grounds for a long lunch.
The event raised money for Gunnedah Family Support, a matter close to Ingrid’s heart. She is on the board of the not-for-profit organisation which helps victims of domestic abuse.
“Domestic violence is a national crisis,” Ingrid said.
“The statistics, not only regionally here in Gunnedah, but also nationally are at crisis point.
“With the help of Gunnedah Family Support, we have families reporting, which then allows us to have those strong statistics.”
Ingrid wanted to encourage discussion about domestic violence which she said a few decades ago was something kept in the quiet.
“It’s really important that we have these conversations and it should be just a comfortable conversation to have,” she said.
“Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate.
“It can be your neighbour, a professional business person, lawyer… and there’s many layers to domestic violence.”
What Were You Wearing Australia founder Sarah Williams speaking at the Artful Giving long lunch. The ‘What Were You Wearing?’ exhibition received more than 9000 submissions in 2021, showcasing the stories of sexual violence surviors. In 2023, the not for profit amended RSA laws to include mandatory drink prevention training for bar and security staff in NSW. It also held Australia-wide rallies against family, sexual and domestic violence with about 100,000 in attendence last year.
She said abuse is not just physical. There are different types such as monetary and coercion.
“We don’t know what is happening behind closed doors,” she said.
While not an artist, Ingrid loves art and wanted to create an event centred around it.
“I’ve turned pain into purpose,” she said.
“Creativity, connection, conversation, community – it’s all a part of Artful Giving.”
“Through this whole process of creating this event, I’ve met some
incredible people, and we have got a community full of creatives.
“It’s just really special.”
The gallery walk had three different venues showcasing work by regional artists. Those works could be sold with a portion of sales going to Gunnedah Family Support.
It started at Acacia House, which had acclaimed didgeridoo musician Mark Atkins open with a welcome to the country. Guests were treated to coffees and grazing boards
outdoors before moving inside to see the
artworks. The home has been converted into an Airbnb, which Ingrid said will have a percentage of profits going to Gunnedah Family Support.
Stop two was a landscape garden with weaving, sculptures, ceramics and different art forms. The Gunnedah Conservatorium provided a drumming circle that guests could be a part of.
Those who made their way to the Dorothea Mackellar Centre were welcomed with a pathway of paint palettes before walking inside to the exhibition.
After finishing the gallery walks, guests made their way to Gunnedah Grounds for a long lunch, speeches and live music. Emcee for the day was Rebecca Ryan with Kirsty Larkin and Steve McCauley providing live music.
Not only did the artworks inspire the audience, the day also featured an impressive line-up of special guests.
Among them were Shadow Minister for the Arts and Heritage Kevin Anderson, Gunnedah Family Support’s Joe Newberry and Vanessa Hodges Schembri along with ‘What Were You Wearing Australia’ founder Sarah Williams.
