Thirty artworks, 30 Malaysian artists and one shared humanitarian cause came together at Art for Humanity 2026, raising an estimated RM250,000 through a charity auction in support of MERCY Malaysia.
Of the total proceeds, an estimated RM140,000 will go towards MERCY Malaysia’s General Humanitarian Fund, which supports the organisation's emergency response efforts and assistance to communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.
Held from October 28 to November 1 at Ombak KLCC, the five-day exhibition was organised by MERCY Malaysia in conjunction with CIMB Artober 2026, with Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers as its Auction Partner.
The exhibition featured 30 works by 30 Malaysian contemporary artists, spanning paintings, sculptures and other artistic mediums. It concluded with a Live Charity Art Auction on November 1, conducted by auctioneer Soraya Khairuddin.
Among the artworks that attracted strong interest from collectors was Estetika Timur… “Kekal Di Sini” by renowned Malaysian artist Awang Damit Ahmad. The mixed-media-on-canvas piece, measuring 61 × 61 cm and created in 2021, emerged as the evening's top lot after selling for RM28,000.
Turning art into humanitarian support
Beyond the artworks and auction bids, the initiative highlighted how the creative community can contribute to causes beyond the art world.
Speaking at the event, MERCY Malaysia President Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus thanked the participating artists for entrusting their works to the initiative, while encouraging collectors to see their purchases as more than just art acquisitions.
PHOTO CREDIT: MERCY MALAYSIA
He said every bid represented an opportunity to strengthen the organisation's ability to reach communities in need.
He also highlighted MERCY Malaysia's ongoing support for communities in Nepal as they work towards recovery, as well as its recent response to haze-related concerns and preparations for the Northeast Monsoon in Malaysia.
The event was attended by CIMB Regional Head of Group Corporate Events Encik Ismail Ani Arope, members of MERCY Malaysia's Executive Council and senior management, alongside collectors, art enthusiasts, partners and members of the media.
How the funds will help communities
Of the estimated RM250,000 raised, approximately RM140,000 will be channelled to MERCY Malaysia's General Humanitarian Fund.
The fund allows the organisation to direct assistance where it is needed most, covering areas such as emergency relief, medical assistance, clean water and sanitation, food supplies, early recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
It also supports disaster preparedness, risk reduction, community resilience and longer-term development initiatives.
Having a flexible humanitarian fund enables MERCY Malaysia to respond to emerging needs while continuing to support communities beyond the immediate aftermath of an emergency.
PHOTO CREDIT: MERCY MALAYSIA
“This evening, 30 artists, our partners and every collector in the room showed what becomes possible when creativity is placed in the service of humanity.
“Every ringgit raised strengthens our ability to respond when it matters most, whether supporting communities recovering in Nepal or assisting vulnerable communities here at home affected by haze and monsoon floods.
“Our task now is to turn every bid into help that reaches people when they need it most,” said Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal.
Bringing the art community together
The collection was curated by Malaysian contemporary artist Bayu Utomo Radjikin, who was also among the participating artists.
The exhibition brought together established and emerging artists, creating a platform for Malaysian contemporary art while supporting a wider humanitarian cause.
MERCY Malaysia also acknowledged CIMB Artober 2026 as Event Partner, Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers as Auction Partner and Ombak KLCC, alongside the participating artists, collectors, supporters and partners who contributed to making the event possible.
Through Art for Humanity 2026, the initiative demonstrated how art can extend beyond creative expression, bringing people together to support communities facing some of their most challenging moments.
(This article was originally written by Attiqah Mohd following a media invitation from MERCY Malaysia for Art for Humanity 2026. It is the intellectual property of the author and may not be copied, reproduced or republished without prior permission and proper attribution)
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