His paintings hang in some of the top galleries of the nation, and the world. You’ll find his work gracing the walls of the hallowed halls of government departments and corporate royalty. They’re owned by some of the country’s most influential people – even international folk music icon, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), has one.
But, not many people know that during the Global Financial Crisis, renowned surrealist Andrew Baines almost lost it all. This lived experience of being on financial and emotional rock bottom, has fueled Andrew’s passion for lifting up others who are struggling to find the strength or power to help themselves, through his personal philanthropic efforts.
In honour of Andrew Baines’ generous contribution to supporting Lutheran Care to change lives and build communities, he has been named Lutheran Care’s first official Ambassador.
Andrew Baines has been a frequent collaborator of ours over several years. He is well known for his surreal artworks—featuring cows, dachshunds, lighthouses, and bowler-hatted figures—which appear in collections worldwide. To support South Australians in crisis, he has generously donated several of his sought-after pieces, even creating a live painting at Lutheran Care’s 2023 Gala Dinner, which was auctioned for Emergency Relief. He will do so again at this year’s Gala Dinner on 24 May to raise further funds.
Andrew is also known for surreal living art installations featuring prominent Australians, including former Prime Ministers. His ‘Behind the Guise of Homelessness’ event in Rundle Mall, co-presented with Lutheran Care, featured figures like Erin Phillips and Mark Soderstrom painted gold and poised as statues. The event gained national media attention, boosting Lutheran Care’s profile, and increasing awareness of homelessness and housing insecurity, faced by a growing number of Australians.
Recently, Andrew stepped back from broader charity commitments, including work with the UN and major non-profits, to focus solely on supporting Lutheran Care and its important mission.
“I still want to give back and help my community, and Lutheran Care is the only charity that I can really relate to,” Andrew said.
“When I saw what Lutheran Care was doing – I thought, this is the way I’m going to help.”
“Andrew Baines is an exemplary Ambassador for Lutheran Care, because of his ever-present empathy for vulnerable people and his tireless efforts to give back, and uplift people doing it tough,” says Lutheran Care’s Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade.
“Andrew is a remarkable talent, and his creative ideas and artworks make people stand up and pay attention,” he says.
“We really enjoy collaborating with him. Our partnership is a great example of how working with likeminded people, from completely different fields, can create meaningful impact.
“Through his art, Andrew has found incredible success, however he remains extremely humble. He understands from experience how quickly fortunes can change and is always actively looking for ways to lend his support to people who have fallen on hard times.
“As an organisation, Lutheran Care is truly honored to be chosen as Andrew’s charity of choice. We are incredibly grateful for his unwavering support and look forward to continuing this impactful partnership in the years ahead.”