“Please join us in making a difference for Ukraine. Even in the darkest hours, art and culture shine a light and remind us what it is to be human.” Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza

Ukrainian and international artists have united in donating artworks to be auctioned in the  ‘Benefit for Ukraine’s People & Culture’, with the proceeds going directly to several Ukrainian aid and crisis organisations, as well as to benefit Museums for Ukraine.

Museums for Ukraine is an initiative founded by Konstantin Akinsha, Caroline Christoph-Bakargiev, Björn Geldhof, Masha Isserlis, Peter Weible and TBA21 chairwoman Francesca Thyssen Bornemisza,  who have galvanised a worldwide coalition of museum directors, curators and philanthropists who wish to support and share a multitude of programs and exhibitions, that recognise the value and importance of Ukrainian cultural heritage and contemporary expression. Museums for Ukraine supports the presentation of Ukrainian art exhibitions across Europe and beyond, in order to truly recognise the value and uniqueness of its art and culture. Contemporary artists are supported in fulfilling their projects and have wider recognition worldwide while a strong educational program is sharing and building knowledge of Ukraine’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

 A  live auction was held last week as part of a benefit held during the Venice Biennale in partnership with Mikolaj Sekutowicz (Therme Art Program and Ikona Collection), Peter Brant Jr. (The Brant Foundation), and hosted by Simon de Pury. The 14 lots generously donated by artists and their galleries raised more than €1.2 million ($1.3 million). An additional 44 works have since been donated and are now available for bidding in a timed online auction, which will run through to May 8, 2022 at 6pm CEST. By adding your bid you are supporting our urgent cause. 

The auction also features some pieces from frequent TBA21 collaborators Ernesto Neto, Mario García Torres, Ragnar Kjartansson, Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller, Teresa Solar (who is auctioning the piece currently on view at our exhibition at the @c3a_andalucia, “Abundant Futures”), and TBA21–Academy collaborators Carl Michael Von Hausswolff and Superflex. 

Recipient organisations include:
Maria Prymachenko Family Foundation
Appeal of Conscience Foundation
Museums for Ukraine
100% Life
Museum Crisis Centre
Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund
Ukrainian Emergency Pavilion