The art community is coming together for a noble cause. On February 26, coinciding with L.A. Art Week, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) and TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary will present "Get Up Stand Up: Artists for Jamaica and Los Angeles." This benefit auction aims to support long-term recovery initiatives following Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
The event will commence in Hollywood with a live auction led by renowned Swiss auctioneer Simon de Pury, followed by an online bidding period lasting two weeks. Tickets for the reception are priced at $1,000, with bidding commencing that evening at 8 p.m.
Featuring over 20 artworks, the auction showcases a diverse array of contemporary artists, including Henry Taylor, Hank Willis Thomas, Hurvin Anderson, Alvaro Barrington, Nari Ward, Ernesto Neto, and Alberta Whittle. Many of these artists draw inspiration from Caribbean histories and diasporic narratives, adding significant depth to the sale.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters. Communities like Jamaica, which contribute minimally to global emissions, often face the most severe impacts of climate change. Ann Lee, co-founder and CEO of CORE, emphasizes, "With every disaster, when the news moves on, so many communities are left without the support they need. Many of these communities -- like in Jamaica -- are the least responsible for the climate crisis, yet they bear the brunt of its consequences."
Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, founder and chairwoman of TBA21, articulated the need for culture to respond during crises. This auction is not just symbolic; it aims to generate real financial support. All proceeds will aid CORE's long-term recovery efforts in Jamaica and Haiti, assist communities impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, and enhance its emergency response fund, which addresses numerous crises each year.
The event boasts a prominent host committee, featuring notable figures such as Jodie Turner-Smith, Alicia Keys, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, and Sean Penn, alongside influential dealers like Jeffrey Deitch and Thaddaeus Ropac. Esteemed galleries, including Hauser & Wirth and Perrotin, are also contributing to the auction.
Holding the launch in Los Angeles carries poignant symbolism. It connects an island nation ravaged by a hurricane to a global city affected by wildfires, highlighting the shared vulnerabilities across different landscapes.
While benefit auctions are common in the art world, this one stands out for its focus on Caribbean-rooted artists and a foundation dedicated to environmental advocacy. With the global art community already in Los Angeles, the message is clear: Stand up and contribute.