As the war in Ukraine is intensifying, art organisations around the world are united in providing humanitarian relief to the Ukrainian people affected by the war. From donating part of their commissions to sponsoring Visas for refugees, these auction houses are committed to help.
Tajan
French auction house Tajan has recently announced that they have mobilised their team to organise a large charity auction in Paris on April 21, whose profits will go in full to the aid of Ukrainian people.
With the participation of contemporary artists such Marc Desgrandchamps, Amy Sillman, Richard Aldrich, Marius Bercea, Dona Nelson, Aliza Nisembaum, Adrian Ghenie, Frank, Tjepkema, Jean Jansem, Sheila Hicks, Marcel Wanders and many more, the auction is expected to be a huge success, and for a great cause.
Catalogue for the auction coming soon. In the meantime, see Tajan’s other auctions and paintings here.
Woolley & Wallis
Woolley & Wallis have also gathered resources to address some of the urgent problems caused by the crisis. While the UK government is yet to provide the details for the Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine, they have added their name to the list of UK companies that will be sponsoring Visas to offer job opportunities under existing schemes.
Woolley & Wallis have made a commitment to fast-track any applications from Ukrainian refugees impacted by the conflict and vowed that they will be assisting with relocation, salary, and sponsorship.
The Auction Collective
The Auction Collective, a platform that specialises in running Contemporary Art auctions for arts organisations and charities, is planning a 10 day-long auction starting on 18 March that will include paintings, ceramics, photos, and prints.
The fundraising auction will be curated by RABOTA, which promotes emerging Russian and Ukrainian artists in the UK. There will be no reserve for the artworks and the proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Disaster Emergency Committee, for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
To help with fundraising for food, water, shelter and medical assistance for Ukrainian refugees, you can place your bids for the ‘Help Ukraine: Without Reserve’ auction here.
Catawiki
In March, Catawiki has been hosting multiple #StandWithUkraine Charity Auctions across all departments, with proceeds going to UNICEF, an NGO working to keep vulnerable families and children safe during the conflict.
Both sellers and buyers have been able to contribute: every special object featured in the auctions has been donated by the Seller Community, and Catawiki will donate all commissions from the auction and double the total commission amount.
If you want to support UNICEF in delivering clean water, food and health supplies to Ukrainian families, place your bids here.
PHILLIPS
In a press statement, the London-born auction house PHILLIPS has let the public know that they will be donating 100% of the buyer’s premium and seller’s commission from their 20th Century and Contemporary Art Evening Sale to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.
The sale, which took place on the 3rd of March, was spearheaded by paintings by the legendary David Hockney, Cecily Brown, and Hurvin Anderson, achieving a total of £30 million. The donation, worth £5.8 million, will support the Ukrainian Red Cross’s efforts in providing food and shelter to 8,000 people, as well as supporting hospitals through first aid training and medical equipment donations.
Stephen Brooks, PHILLIPS’ CEO, has said in a statement: “The Ukrainian Red Cross Society is doing incredible work to support and protect people in the region, and it is our hope that the buyer’s premium and vendor’s commission from tonight’s Evening Sale will help this extraordinary charity as they continue their lifesaving work.”
Barnebys
Barnebys too is dedicating some of its resources to the cause. As announced by Pontus Silfverstolpe, Barnebys co-founder, we will be giving free advertising space to the humanitarian organisation Red Cross and encourage everyone to help in any way they can. "It is noble to see so many of our partners in the auction industry rallying to provide support to those affected by what is currently taking place in Ukraine", he said. "Barnebys has always and will continue to offer both direct and indirect support to our partners' charitable efforts within our 8 global marketplaces."
