In June 2013, aMBUSH Gallery hosted the ‘Keep Skateistan Rolling’ Sydney fundraiser; a multidimensional presentation of art, film, music and live skateboard demonstrations to raise awareness and funding for Skateistan.
Skateistan is a unique international non-governmental organisation that uses skateboarding as a tool for youth empowerment in Afghanistan and Cambodia. It was founded by Melbournian Oliver Percovich in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2007 and operates three schools.
Against the backdrop of a collaborative mural by street artists Sprinkles and Alex Lehours, art from a litany of Australian artists was sold at aMBUSH Gallery’s ‘one night only’ event via a silent auction, as Afghan musician Emal Orya and his band performed live.
Short films shot during Skateistan’s six years of development in Afghanistan and Cambodia played on the gallery walls next to an exhibition of photography by Louisa Menke. Skaters from The Right Push, a skate education program put on a live demonstration on Westsyde Connection ramps.
Prizes were up for raffle and auction, including artworks from Dale Bigeni, Tamara Dean and Nicole Tattersall, plus clothing and vouchers from streetwear brands Insight, Hurley and KON, and signed merchandise from major musicians such as Jagwar Ma, Pink, and Bruno Mars. All proceeds from the exhibition were donated to help support Skateistan’s ongoing skate clinics education and youth leadership programs, plus art-based enrichment schemes and cultural exchange initiatives.
Alex Lehours, Sprinkles, Emal Orya, Lousia Menke, Dale Bigeni, Tamara Dean, Nicole Tattersall
Waterloo Gallery
4A James Street
Waterloo, Sydney
NSW 2017
+61 2 8399 0707
Visiting by Public Transport: Train to Green Square Station or Bus 309, 310 or 355
Accessibility: please call the gallery prior to visiting if special assistance is required