In the wake of a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, killing more than 3,600 people, the country’s art community—both within its borders and in exile—has launched a wave of relief initiatives to support victims and fund humanitarian aid. These efforts are purposefully organized outside the influence of the ruling Tatmadaw junta, with funds directed toward trusted, independent charities.

Leading the charge is Kyel Sin Lin, a curator coordinating a fundraising auction featuring a powerful work by acclaimed artist and political prisoner Htein Lin. The piece, portraying Sagaing, the earthquake’s epicentre, and the collapsed Ava Bridge, is part of a larger series crafted on recycled cards, depicting various Myanmar townships.

Vicky Bowman, former UK ambassador to Myanmar and Htein Lin’s wife, is also advocating for donations to organizations like Medical Action Myanmar, Community Partners International, and Children of the Mekong, which are actively delivering medical and social aid to affected communities.

In Yangon, several galleries are mobilizing their resources for the cause. Institutions such as The Collector Art Gallery, Sar Ga Gallery, and Nawaday Tharlar Gallery have launched fundraising sales of local artworks, contributing proceeds directly to relief charities.

Meanwhile, the global art community has also rallied behind Myanmar. On April 10, the Hong Kong-based gallery 10 Chancery Lane hosted a benefit event that raised $13,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières and Children of the Mekong. The event featured performances, a charity dinner, and limited-edition art sales—including a photograph by renowned Myanmar artist Moe Satt. Online fundraising continued until April 30, offering donors a collectible print by Htein Lin.

Another historic piece is being offered by Karin Weber Gallery in Hong Kong: The Bridge (1972), a rare painting by Burmese Modernist San Win (1905–81). The piece is from the private collection of Anna Allott, a respected scholar and longtime supporter of Myanmar who passed away in 2024. Proceeds will benefit Prospect Burma, an educational nonprofit co-founded by Allott herself.

Myanmar, already battered by years of civil conflict and political upheaval following the 2021 military coup, was further destabilized by this natural disaster. The Tatmadaw junta, currently engaged in a civil war with democratic resistance forces, is under scrutiny for its mismanagement of humanitarian resources and continued airstrikes despite a temporary ceasefire declared in April.

Notably, the disaster prompted Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military regime, to issue a rare request for international aid. In response, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, serving as current ASEAN chair, met with Min Aung Hlaing to advocate for an extension of the ceasefire. However, ongoing violence has cast doubt on the effectiveness of those efforts and the feasibility of a planned December 2025 election.

Despite the darkness, Myanmar’s art world continues to offer a powerful beacon of hope and resilience—demonstrating the capacity of creativity and community to confront tragedy with unity, even in the face of tyranny and destruction.