Surge for Water: A Commitment to Empowerment

Surge for Water is a women-led, non-profit organisation committed to providing safe water, sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health solutions in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

The focus of Surge for Water is on building sustainable infrastructure and promoting community-led education, all whilst empowering women and the organisation has projects ongoing in regions like Uganda, Haiti and Indonesia. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right for all and Surge for Water maintain one core belief: it is essential that women, who often take on the responsibility of securing clean water for their families, are at the forefront of these life-changing solutions.

No Grey Area as Change Agent Sponsors

At No Grey Area, we are proud to be supporting Surge for Water as a Change Agent Sponsor once again. We believe that both bespoke lighting and design solutions have the ability and power to create life-changing experiences for everyone and not just those within the spaces we shape and bring life to, but in the wider communities our work impacts. We believe in the power of interior design trends to create social change and promote dignity.

“Our decision to sponsor Surge for Water comes from a long history of shared values and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact,” Elliot Barron, Partner at No Grey Area, said about the event. “Supporting Surge for Water is an extension of that belief and is a way for us to stand with families who deserve the same necessities and opportunities that we would want for our own.”

By contributing to Surge for Water’s initiatives, we hope to amplify stories of resilience and support the essential work they are doing for those in at-risk communities.

2025’s Theme: “Broken Beautiful”

This year’s Design, Dine and Make a Difference Gala was centred around the “Broken Beautiful” theme, which challenges designers to create pieces that reflect the beauty found in imperfection. Every year, the theme changes to align with the event which encourages participants to produce a range of artistic works within a certain budget, all whilst raising funds and awareness for the critical projects that Surge for Water works on.

The emphasis on the “Broken Beautiful” theme for 2025 invites designers and creatives to explore how fractured forms and discarded materials can be transformed into inspiring symbols of hope and regeneration, highlighting the resilience of women and communities that Surge for Water supports and works with.

Introducing “Within the Cracks”

The “Within the Cracks” lamp collection emerged from a collaborative journey which aimed to encapsulate the important mission behind this year’s theme of the Design, Dine and Make a Difference Gala.

Initially envisioned by one of our partners TwentyOne06 – who worked on the exceptional concept design throughout – the concept revolves around a piece that captures the unseen emotional burdens women carry in underserved communities. CS Interiors brought their technical experience to expand the collaboration by providing the necessary fit-out craftmanship responsible for bringing the vision to life. At No Grey Area, we worked with our partners to enhance the overall lighting collection with atmospheric lighting by focusing on ensuring the lamps conveyed aesthetic appeal and emotional significance.

The collection features sculptural lamps crafted from a range of recycled materials. These materials incorporate imprints of personal items and reflect the daily lives of women living in vulnerable communities all around the world, with the impressions symbolising the responsibilities and memories carried by these women whilst capturing the unseen weight of their experiences in society.

Designed to represent hope amidst adversity, each lamp houses a spiral of crushed recycled glass which emits a warm glow. The textured exterior of the lamps, combined with their inner light, reflects the idea of strength, creating a powerful message and turning these lamps into important metaphors for survival and resilience.

Bidding Details

The “Within the Cracks” lamp collection, brought to life by No Grey Area, is now available for auction. For a minimum bid of 10,000 AED, supporters can place their bids to own this bespoke, one-of-a-kind, expressive piece of art. With time left to bid, the auction offers supporters the chance to contribute to Surge for Water’s vital, life-saving projects.

Every bid supports the all-important efforts to improve water, sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health solutions in vulnerable communities.

Bidding remains open for one more week and you can find more information here.

Reflections on the Gala Night

The Design, Dine, Make a Difference Gala was a vibrant celebration of creativity and advocacy, dedicated to supporting and empowering women who need it most.

The gala was an evening dedicated to supporting and empowering women who need it most. Although the “Within the Cracks” lamp did not receive an award, the event showcased the impactful work of Surge for Water and the different contributions from all participants.

We were able to spend time with our partners TwentyOne06 and CS Interiors at the event, and we are delighted to not only congratulate the winners but also thank everyone for their involvement in supporting this critical and meaningful cause.

At No Grey Area, we are delighted to continue our partnership with Surge for Water. Our team is dedicated to promoting design that inspires important social changes and highlight the issues women are facing all over the world.

Together, we can create a lasting impact and change the lives of women who play a critical role in vulnerable communities.