In a remarkable collaboration aimed at raising awareness and funds for children affected by conflict, legendary British singer Kate Bush has teamed up with 52 leading visual artists for a charity initiative supporting War Child, an organization dedicated to helping children in war zones. This initiative, titled “Sound & Vision,” is designed to combine the power of music and art to create a lasting impact for those who need it the most. The exhibition will be held at the Iconic Images Gallery in London from November 4 to November 8, 2025, and the artwork will also be available for online auction from October 28 to November 13, with all proceeds going directly to War Child.
The collaboration draws inspiration from Kate Bush’s iconic 1985 hit “Running Up That Hill,” particularly the poignant lyric, “If I only could, I’d make a deal with God,” which underscores the theme of overcoming challenges and fighting for a better future. In this spirit, Bush has brought together a diverse group of British artists to donate their works to this meaningful cause. Some of the prominent artists involved in the project include Peter Doig, known for his atmospheric and expressive paintings, Maggi Hambling, whose bold and evocative works have earned her international acclaim, and Charlie Calder-Potts, whose intricate and visually stunning pieces captivate art lovers worldwide. These artists, along with many others, have created unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that will be showcased during the exhibition, and auctioned to raise critical funds for children affected by war.
The exhibition and auction are being supported by Art on a Postcard, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting War Child, and are sponsored by DHL. The goal of the “Sound & Vision” initiative is to raise significant funds that will directly benefit War Child’s vital work, providing aid to children whose lives have been devastated by conflict. In recent times, the charity has been particularly focused on providing assistance to children in regions like Ukraine and Gaza, where young lives have been torn apart by violence. The collaboration also emphasizes the urgent need to support children who are displaced, traumatised, or without access to education and basic necessities due to war.
Kate Bush has been vocal about her commitment to the cause, stating that it is more important than ever to support organizations like War Child, which provide immediate relief and help rebuild the lives of children who have been caught in the crossfire of conflict. She has expressed deep empathy for the plight of children living in war zones, acknowledging the emotional toll and trauma that these young people endure. Through her participation in the initiative, Bush hopes to provide a platform for change and encourage others to get involved in supporting War Child’s mission.
The artworks featured in the “Sound & Vision” exhibition will be available for auction, with bids starting at £100, offering a chance for art collectors, fans of Kate Bush, and philanthropists alike to acquire exclusive works while contributing to an essential cause. The auction’s structure is designed to make it accessible to a wide audience, allowing anyone to participate in the fundraising effort, regardless of their budget. With unique pieces on offer, the auction is expected to draw significant interest from art enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters of both the artists and War Child.
This initiative is not the first of its kind. “Sound & Vision” follows the success of similar events, including David Bowie’s 1994 charity auction, which raised substantial funds for War Child. Bowie’s involvement in the charity had a lasting impact, and Kate Bush’s participation in this event continues that legacy, using her platform and influence to raise awareness for those in need.
The “Sound & Vision” exhibition is set to be a celebration of both art and music, uniting creative forces for the common goal of supporting children whose lives have been shattered by war. The event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of art to make a tangible difference in the world. Through this partnership between Kate Bush, visual artists, and War Child, the campaign offers a powerful reminder of how art and music can be harnessed to bring about positive social change, one donation at a time. The initiative is sure to leave a lasting legacy, providing hope and support to vulnerable children caught in the devastation of conflict.
