Art and philanthropy have always gone hand in hand. Art has the power to move people and therefore make a substantial change in the world, so it only makes sense that art is matched with charitable funds to make a powerful duo that will improve society.
This is the foundation on which the Art of Wishes Organization was built. The Art of Wishes, in particular, uses many forms of art to support the Make-A-Wish UK foundation and the incredible wishes they aim to fulfil for children who are suffering from a critical illness.
We’re exploring the Art of Wishes Organization and all the change that it has strived for over the years. Take a look at the history of the Art of Wishes Organization and its plans for the future.
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What is the Art of Wishes Gala?
Art of Wishes is an initiative whose sole mission is to support the work of Make-A-Wish UK to raise money to grant life-changing wishes for children suffering from critical illnesses.
Founded in 2017 by Make-A-Wish UK Patron Batia Ofer, Art of Wishes hosts a biennale gala open in Frieze week in London, that aims to raise funds and awareness.
Along with additional initiatives including lunches, auctions and other collaborations, these galas have raised more than £9 million to date as of yet, over 3,300 wishes have been granted to children.
How is the money raised?
Guests at the gala have the chance to donate through a variety of means, including an art auction, a luxury silent auction or by pledging a donation.
The incredible artworks and wonderful prizes are generously donated by artists and galleries and are then auctioned to the highest bidder, who not only receives an incredible object or experience but also helps grant wishes for children through their bidding.
Works are available for bidding worldwide on Artsy platforms two weeks ahead of the gala.
In the most recent event, Art of Wishes teamed up with MATCHESFASHION for a charity lunch featuring a raffle and silent auction that raised over £175,000.
What’s for the future?
The next gala will be held in October 2023. If the 2021 edition is anything to go by, it’s sure to be a spectacular event. Hosted by famed comedian, presenter, and children’s book author, David Walliams OBE, the Art of Wishes Gala took over London’s Natural History Museum with performances from cast members of the West End musical, The Lion King.
Items sold on the night included a commissioned piece from artist Jenny Saville, which sold for £800,000 and a motor racing suit donated by Lewis Hamilton, which sold for £45,000.
The 2021 gala became the biggest charity auction in the UK, raising £3.5 million through the sale of 21 unique pieces of artwork from artists like Jenny Saville, and Rashid Johnson and an NFT piece by digital artist Brendan Dawes
In 2022, world-renowned jeweller Fabio Salini donated more than fifty pieces of jewellery to Art of Wishes. Partnering with Sotheby’s, Salini’s jewellery was auctioned in London in September and raised a total of over £750,000.
If you’re interested in hearing about any upcoming events, you can take a look at the Art of Wishes website (artofwishes.org.uk), or sign up for the Art of Wishes newsletter on the website.
