On Sunday March 20 2022, over 100 people from different multicultural and multifaith backgrounds came together for the launch of the art exhibition 'Faith in Pandemic Times', at the Incinerator Gallery in Aberfeldie.

The exhibition, organised by the Moonee Valley Interfaith Network, reflected people's experience of the pandemic (ie increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation) and where/how they found strength, hope, and purpose in times of isolation, anxiety and uncertainty.

The exhibition included 43 artworks from a diverse range of faith and non-faith backgrounds, including Christian (Catholic, Uniting, Orthodox), Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Christian Science, Scientology, Brahma Kumaris, Humanist and Naturist.

In the official speeches, the Chair of Moonee Valley Interfaith Network, Tony De Fazio (pictured above), thanked the Moonee Valley City Council and Incinerator Gallery for its in-kind support which allowed this exhibition to come to life. Mr De Fazio mentioned the devastating financial and mental health impact the pandemic has had on the community, and how the artworks brilliantly captured this impact in a very personal manner.

The exhibition was also a competition and judge Ben Winspear awarded the following prizes:
First Prize: $1000 - Mita Chowdhury (The Place In-Between: My Eternal Soul)
Second Prize: $500 - Janet Hayes (Contemplation)
Third Prize: $300 - Jane Allardice (As you sow, so you shall reap)
Encouragement Award: $250 - Raji Mussavar (In the Service of Humanity)
People's Choice Award: $250 - Ahmed Alsayed (Morning Anxiety)