Marking ten years of bringing social change to the world, Migrate Art celebrates its anniversary with a special London event at SETAREH from 13th to 15th November 2026, unveiling new original works by some of the most influential names in contemporary art, with proceeds supporting its ongoing charitable initiatives.
Founded in 2016 by Simon Butler, Migrate Art began with an encounter at the Calais Jungle that would shape the organisation’s future. During a visit to the site, Butler discovered colouring pencils scattered across the remains of a school once used by a displaced community. Taking the pencils back to the UK, he invited artists to transform them into original artworks, which were subsequently auctioned to raise funds for charity. The project marked the beginning of an initiative that has since generated more than £2.2 million in support of displaced, Indigenous and homeless communities around the world.
Over the past decade, Migrate Art has brought together an extraordinary international community of artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Mona Hatoum, Sarah Lucas, Richard Long, Rachel Whiteread, Gillian Wearing, Wolfgang Tillmans and many others. Spanning generations and artistic disciplines, these collaborations reflect the organisation’s belief in the ability of art to create connections, challenge perspectives and translate creative expression into meaningful social impact.
As Antony Gormley observes: “Migrate Art allows artists at work in their studios to connect with those who suffer in the gaps left by broken collective life”.
This philosophy has informed a series of ambitious projects responding to some of the defining humanitarian and environmental issues of recent years. Another major initiative, Scorched Earth, brought artists together to address the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, creating works using paint made from ash and charcoal salvaged from fire-affected areas. The project raised over £200,000 for organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
For its tenth anniversary, Migrate Art will present new original works by Antony Gormley, Billy Childish, Caroline Walker, Guerrilla Girls, Mona Hatoum, Ralph Steadman, Richard Long and Sarah Lucas, offering collectors an opportunity to acquire significant works while contributing directly to the organisation’s charitable mission.
Reflecting on the journey from a handful of salvaged colouring pencils to an international philanthropic platform, founder Simon Butler says: “Ten years ago, I saw first-hand how art could create a connection between people who might otherwise never meet, and turn that connection into meaningful action. What started with a handful of pencils found in the Calais Jungle has grown into a community of artists, collectors, charities and supporters who believe that creativity can have a tangible impact on people’s lives. Our purpose remains exactly the same: to use art to help those who need it most. We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, so grateful to all the participating artists and our partners, and excited about what comes next.”
A decade on, Migrate Art continues to demonstrate that the reach of contemporary art can extend far beyond galleries and studios. By connecting artists, collectors and charitable organisations around shared causes, it has developed a model in which creativity becomes a catalyst for solidarity and lasting change.
The exhibition will open with a private view on Friday 13 November at SETAREH, in London, 6–9pm. The exhibition will run until Sunday 15 November.
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Images: Antony Gormley, ‘Drop I’ / Sarah Lucas, ‘Tit Brick’, courtesy of the artists and Migrate Art.
