Sydney Story Factory is a vitally-important, non-for-profit writing centre which runs a number of creative writing and storytelling programs for marginalised kids in the Redfern area.

The centre is based on 826 Valencia, which was started in 2002 in San Fransisco by author Dave Eggers, and continues this centre’s (or ‘center’, as they would type) great, selfless work.

As SSF explain: “Under the guidance of its expert storytelling team, volunteer tutors work with young people one-on-one or in small groups, offering them the personal attention to their writing even the best teachers cannot always provide. The effect can be transformative, helping young people find their voice and returning them to school with the tools and confidence essential for future success.”

Of course, running a centre like this isn’t cheap, despite the many great people who volunteer their resources and time. Because of this, more than 50 of our country’s finest visual artists have donated artwork to the centre, who are auctioning off the pieces to raise funds for Sydney Story Factory’s free creative writing programs.

“If you can tell a story…” features artwork by the likes of Del Kathryn Barton, Fiona Lowry, James Powditch, Locust Jones, Abdul Abdullah, Bronwyn Bancroft, Blak Douglas, Peter O’Doherty, and James McGrath – all pieces are available for a fraction of what such works usually sells for.

The auction closes on September 2, so if you are looking to invest in some valuable art for a bargain basement price, and wanna help kids while you’re at it, then check out the auction, now.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine