The art world is channeling its vibrant energy into a significant philanthropic endeavor, launching a major benefit auction to aid communities grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters. This initiative underscores a collective commitment to long-term recovery and resilience in the face of escalating climate challenges.
As global crises intensify, this event serves as a powerful reminder of the art community's capacity to mobilize resources and provide crucial support where it's needed most. The auction not only highlights exceptional artistic talent but also reinforces the urgent call for global solidarity in addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations.
Artists Unite for Disaster Relief: A Global Call to Action
In a powerful display of humanitarian commitment, the art community is converging for a landmark benefit auction titled "Get Up Stand Up: Artists for Jamaica and Los Angeles." Scheduled during L.A. Art Week on February 26, this event is a collaborative effort between CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) and TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary. The auction's primary objective is to generate substantial funding for the sustained recovery initiatives in Jamaica, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, and in Los Angeles, which recently endured devastating wildfires. This concerted action by artists and organizations reflects a growing awareness within the cultural sphere of its potential to contribute meaningfully to global disaster relief, highlighting the urgent need for support in regions disproportionately affected by climate-driven catastrophes.
The event promises an impressive array of over 20 contemporary artworks, featuring contributions from renowned artists such as Henry Taylor, Hank Willis Thomas, Hurvin Anderson, Alvaro Barrington, Nari Ward, and Ernesto Neto, among others. Many of these artists are deeply rooted in Caribbean histories and diasporic narratives, imbuing the auction with profound cultural significance. The benefit will commence with a live auction led by Swiss auctioneer Simon de Pury in Hollywood, followed by a two-week online bidding period. Tickets for the exclusive reception are priced at $1,000, with bidding opening at 8 p.m. on the launch evening. All proceeds from the auction are dedicated to CORE's recovery efforts in Jamaica and Haiti, aid for Los Angeles wildfire victims, and bolstering CORE's emergency response fund, which manages numerous crises annually.
Addressing Climate Vulnerability Through Art and Philanthropy
The "Get Up Stand Up" auction transcends a typical art sale, positioning itself as a vital response to the escalating global climate crisis. Its core message is a direct appeal for tangible financial support, moving beyond mere symbolic gestures. Ann Lee, co-founder and CEO of CORE, powerfully articulated the motivation behind the initiative, emphasizing that many communities, particularly those in nations like Jamaica, bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. These regions often face prolonged struggles for recovery once media attention shifts, leaving them without adequate support. This auction aims to bridge that gap, providing sustained assistance where it's most critically needed.
Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, founder and chairwoman of TBA21, underscored the role of culture in times of crisis, portraying the auction as an urgent call for action from the cultural sector. The decision to launch the event in Los Angeles carries significant symbolic weight, drawing a parallel between an island nation ravaged by a hurricane and a global city scarred by wildfires, both demonstrating a shared vulnerability to environmental disasters. The auction's unique alignment of Caribbean-rooted artists, an environmentally focused foundation, and a relief organization established in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, all coinciding with L.A. Art Week, creates a potent synergy. This strategic timing ensures maximum engagement from the international art community, reinforcing the event's clear directive: to stand up and contribute to a critical cause.