On the 1st October 2019, children’s charity Make-A-Wish® UK, will present ‘The Art of Wishes’ Gala, founded by renowned philanthropist and Make-A-Wish® UK Patron, Batia Ofer. Timed for Frieze London, more than 20 artworks by leading international artists, including Ai Weiwei, Virgil Abloh x Takashi Murakami, James Turrell, Joana Vasconcelos, Harold Ancart, Michael Craig-Martin, Annie Morris and Jennifer Bartlett, have been donated for a charity auction in of support children’s charity, Make-A-Wish® UK
Ai Weiwei, Bowl of Pearls, 2007, porcelain and freshwater pearls, 100 x 100 x 100 cm photo by andrew smart of A.C.Cooper Ltd,London
The event will take place at the Royal Horticultural Halls, hosted by Make-A-Wish® UK supporter David Walliams OBE. This year’s Gala hopes to surpass the success of the inaugural 2017 event, which raised a phenomenal £2.8million for the life-changing charity. In advance of the Gala, a showcase preview of the artworks will be open to the public at Phillips flagship gallery space on Berkeley Square from 19-20 September.
Ida Ekblad, 180 x 140cm, Not yet Titled, 2018
The Art of Wishes’ Gala will welcome over 450 high-profile guests to experience an extraordinary evening, including a champagne reception, an exquisite three-course dinner, world-class entertainment and a unique charity art auction, with all proceeds helping to fund crucial work for Make-A-Wish®.
The charity auction will feature more than 20 new and recent artworks by some of the world’s leading international artists, including Virgil Abloh x Takashi Murakami, Harold Ancart, Jennifer Bartlett, Michael Craig-Martin, Ida Ekblad, Mandy El-Sayegh, Ian Kiaer, Donald Moffett, Annie Morris, Suzy Murphy, Stuart Pearson Wright, Alex Prager, Joel Shapiro, James Turrell, Joana Vasconcelos, Ai Weiwei and Richard Wright. The unique works connect to and are inspired by children’s One True Wishes and have been donated to support the vital work of Make-A-Wish® UK.
AME72 Lego Graffer (2019) Spray paint and marker on canvas 50 x 50 cm
Batia Ofer, Make-A-Wish® UK Patron and Founder of ‘The Art of Wishes’, comments:
“Make-A-Wish Foundation® has been a part of my life for over a decade. I am thrilled that the art world and artistic community have pulled together in such diverse and meaningful ways in order to show support for the great work this charity does through ‘The Art of Wishes’ Gala and the generous collaboration with Phillips for this Preview.”
In order to bring this special collection of works together prior to the auction, Make-A-Wish UK® has partnered with Phillips auction house. A showcase preview of the artworks will be open to the public at Phillips flagship gallery space on Berkeley Square from the 18-20 September.
‘The Art of Wishes’ Preview finds a perfect home at Phillips, due to the auction house’s focus on the defining aesthetic movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, making it one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking auction houses.
Cheyenne Westphal, Global Chairwoman of Phillips, comments:
“Phillips is very proud to be supporting the Make-A-Wish® UK charity auction. The goal is to aid Make-A-Wish® by allowing the incredible artwork to be seen by as many interested collectors as possible during the preview at Berkeley Square.” “Make-A-Wish® UK goes above and beyond to make life-changing experiences happen, and Phillips is incredibly humbled and honoured to play a part in this event, which we know will be a huge success in making more wishes come true.”
Richard Wright, 60.5 x 85 cm, Untitled (Figure 4), 2002 Courtesy of Gagosian
‘The Art of Wishes’ Gala Auction and Preview includes: Make-A-Wish® UK ‘The Art of Wishes’ Gala 1 October 2019 Artworks by World’s Leading Artists Donated to Make-A-Wish® UK Charity Auction Phillips Host ‘The Art of Wishes’ Auction Preview 19 & 20 September 2019
Virgil Abloh x Takashi Murakami Illusion, Arrows and Flower (2018) LED holographic effect monitor 60 x 60 x 19 cm
‘The Art of Wishes’ Gala raises and provides key funding for this independent charity. Proceeds from the 2017 Gala played a vital role in enabling Make-A-Wish® UK to grant over 1,000 children’s wishes in 2018, the largest number in a single year to date. Wishes enrich the lives of children and young people with critical illnesses, offering a moment of joy and control to the child and their family during a period that is often defined by hardship and difficulties.
Make-A-Wish® UK grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a focus for children living with serious illnesses whose future may be uncertain. Since the charity was founded in the UK in 1986 it has granted more than 12,000 wishes. When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope, giving them strength and resilience to face the many challenges ahead, as well as new memories. Make-A-Wish® believes every child has One True Wish, a dream or an aspiration that is unique to them and works with the child to identify and realise their wish.
