Well, it’s back for another year, and this time its bigger, and better than ever – Sidewayz is a grand event for a great cause, and we’ll let the press release tell you why!

“Philanthropic initiative Sidewayz Art Exhibition returns in 2012 boasting the largest lineup of artists in Sidewayz history. Their work represents the reincarnation of over 110 scathed, scratched, bound and broken skate and snowboards.

The boards may have been damaged or discarded, destined to be forgotten, but at Paddington’s Global Gallery on Thursday 23rd August, Sidewayz will demonstrate the power of a little love and a fresh lick of paint to inspire a fresh direction.

Presenting partners Westsyde Connection and Balmoral Boards have intended for Sidewayz to be a tool of empowerment since the project’s inception in 2007. The shows have created opportunities for emerging artists to exhibit alongside contemporary greats. Each edition of Sidewayz has existed as a totem of collaboration and community spirit that defines the art and board sport culture from which the project stems.

Perhaps the most important element of Sidewayz is its charitable goals. To date, Sidewayz has raised over $13,000 for various charities. This year, proceeds from the sale of the recycled skateboards, snowboards & photography will be donated to Voice, an organisation with head quarters in Australia and Cambodia. Voice seeks to aid and empower disadvantaged people who themselves may have been damaged or discarded and who are in need of a little bit of hope.

“Sidewayz is helping Voice to bring art and play into the lives of children who have spent many hours begging and working on the streets in Cambodia”, Voice Founder & CEO Kristy Fleming said. “It is exciting for us to be associated with such a creative and talented team of artists and professionals”.

Four separate auctions will be staged throughout the exhibition. A silent auction and an online auction hosted by Gray’s Online will run for the show’s duration. A small live auction will occur on  opening night with a major auction taking place on Wednesday 29th August. The show also features a collection of original works and limited edition photographic prints. Keeping with the charitable theme entry is gained with a gold coin donation.

With a star-studded line up of Australian and International artists, live music from local Sydney hip hop performers, DJs, a pop-up shop and a bar stocked with Ketel One vodka, Sidewayz 2012 opening night is set to be the biggest and most breathtaking of the series.

Join Westsyde Connection, Balmoral Boards and the generous supporters of Sidewayz 2012 in celebrating the launch of Sidewayz and its colourful contribution to the communities that need it most.”

Who:

Snowboards
Feature Piece: Days
Ben Goad, Dave Kaziro, Drewfunk, Ellie Schroder, Kirst Ohh, Lise Podhorodecki, RJ Williams, Skel

Skateboards
Feature Piece: Kerupt
Agogwe, Alex Lehours, Andros, Andrew Suggitt, Apeseven, Bafcat, Barry Patenaude, Ben Brown, Bei Badgirl, Betty Belle, Ben Foster, Bennett, Benny Haz, Ben Ricciardiallo, Beth Josey, Birdhat, Brandon Els, Bridge Stehli, Bunkwaa, Caspian De Looze, CBloxx (UK), Chris Frap, Dog Fight, Eros Nika (Greece), Konsumterra, Cristian de Paolo, Dan McDonnell, Kalisone, Dboe, Deb, Dilligaf (UK), Dina Raus, Fabe, Fried Onion Ring, Georgia Hill, Ghiel de Best, Hannah Adamszek, Hans Crafted, Harrison Earl, Helen Mycroft, 245Kids, i-lib (UK), Ian Watson, Ishi, Jacob Swab, James Skevington, James Vanderhoven, Jasmine Sarin, Jazone, Jen Cargill (UK), Jessica Thompson, Joel Cameron, Joel Plunkett, John Forno, Jorman Cruz, Judie So, Kalis from Raw Crew, Katie, Kate Eraser, Klara, Krystof Kotik, Lilly Perrott, Lesley Jacobs, Lucas McGrath, Luke Breedon, Luke Bircher, Luke Taafe, Marcus Dyer Harrison, Maxcat, Mr Sweet, Matt Roff, Mr Skel, Myne, Nathan Ho, Nathan Pickering, Nikolas, Pigeonboy, Quique Ollervides, Qwux, Rebecca Murphy, Rory Lucas, Rosie Withers, Sarah Fordham, Sarah Sculley, Seabastion Toast, Sheryo, Skulk, Staurt Smyth, Teem, Teo Skaffa, Terrible Horrible, Tessa Curran, Tim Andrew, Vanessa Teodora, Vars, Wade Burkitt, Warrick McMiles, Wasted Rita (Portugal), Will Lynes, Yewot, YMT, Zan Von Zed

Photography
Birdman, Bret Hemmings, Daniel Goode, James Tyrel, Jeremy Shaw, Kane Stamp, Krystle Wright, Matt Lee

What: Sidewayz charity exhibition
Where: Global Gallery, 5 Comber St, Paddington, Sydney
When: Opening night is Thursday 23rd August from 6pm

Check out the Sidewayz website for more info on the show.