Many of Haiti’s schools have opened in temporary buildings after the tsunami
A charity auction of the winning entries in this year’s CIOB Art of Building competition could raise tens of thousands of pounds to fund the construction of schools in earthquake-devastated Haiti.
Article 25, a development and disaster response charity set up by architects in the wake of the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami, last year auctioned 100 artworks of the City of London.
The works were created by architects, artists and designers in a single day, and individual artworks had guide prices starting at £100. The Sotheby’s event last December drew a crowd of 400 and in total raised £60,000 for the charity.
Now Article 25 hopes to have similar success with the shortlisted photographs in this year’s photography competition, which also has a prize fund of £2,000.
So far, around 900 entries have been received, with just under two weeks to go until the closing date of 25 July 25. Last year, 2,000 entries were received.
Since the Haiti earthquake in January 2010, which affected more than 3.5 million people, many of the country’s schools have re-opened in makeshift temporary accommodation. Often these structures offer little or no protection from the elements and the region’s hurricane conditions.
Article 25 is currently working with local Haitian communities to design schools that are both earthquake and hurricane resistant, and the funds raised from the Art of Building auction will fund the design of a model school for use throughout the country.
The model school will help Haitian children to equip themselves with the skills and abilities to escape poverty and continue their educational development. The project also aims to extend existing schools by meeting the need for new classrooms.
CIOB Art of Building manager, Saul Townsend, said: “The Article 25 initiative aims to return Haitian children to safe schools and set a blueprint for future school buildings throughout the country. By taking part in the competition, this year’s entrants could find their photography and vision being used to touch someone else’s life.”
To enter the competition, log on to www.artofbuilding.org and submit an entry, choosing one of four categories: Building Inspiration, Between People and Buildings, Creative Visions and Young Photographer of the Year.
