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Art exhibition giving voice to Sydney's most marginalised celebrating 25 years of Uniting's Medically Supervised Injecting Centre

MEDIA ALERT

Key Facts:

Note to Editors: Save the date - Saturday 17 October, 2-4pm at Paddington Town Hall, Sydney

Uniting’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) in Kings Cross will celebrate the power of creativity, resilience and community at its 2026 Art from the Heart of the Cross exhibition marking the program's 16th anniversary and MSIC’s 25-year anniversary of life-saving service as the first harm reduction facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

Held at Paddington Town Hall from 16 to 19 October 2026, the exhibition showcases 133 original artworks created by 63 MSIC clients, offering the public a rare and powerful window into the lives, talent and humanity of some of Sydney's most marginalised people.

 

According to MSIC Medical Director, Dr Marianne Jauncey: "This exhibition isn't about drug use. It's about creativity, courage and humanity, and helps bridge the gap between the wider community and people with extraordinary stories to tell.”  

 

The artworks are sold via an online silent auction, which closes on 28 October. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the artists. Hundreds of people from across greater Sydney are expected to participate in the exhibition and online auction. 

 

Officially launched on Saturday 17 October, 2-4pm by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and local MP Alex Greenwich; with TV personality, author, artist and local resident, Gretel Killeen, the guest speaker. Winners of the 7 award categories will be announced then.

 

Reinforcing this year’s theme “Beyond Stigma – Still Here, 25 Years On”, Gretel Killeen, who’s seen the transformation of her local neighbourhood since MSIC opened, said: “The MSIC art exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to help combat society’s habit of labelling and discarding others without considering their story.”

 

Megan, MSIC client and former Art from the Heart winner shares her story.

 

For more information about the exhibition and artworks: Art from the Heart Press Pack

 

Who:	Available for interview:   Megan – MSIC client (artworks #74 & 75)   Mel – MSIC client (artworks #81 – 87)   Dr Marianne Jauncey – MSIC Medical Director   Gretel Killeen – 2026 Art from the Heart Exhibition guest speaker
Where:	Paddington Town Hall, 249 Oxford St, Paddington, Sydney
When:	2-4pm, Saturday 17 October 2026

 

About us:

About UnitingUniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.

 

Contact details:

Kathryn Lamond

Media & Public Affairs Manager
0424 465 464
[email protected]