Phillips has partnered with the New York-based charitable Robin Hood Foundation to launch an online sale to support non-profit organisations working to help vulnerable New Yorkers amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The auction house will donate all proceeds from the sale to assistance programmes and will not take any commissions.
Edward Dolman, the chief executive of Phillips, tells The Art Newspaper that “it has been a humbling experience to see those in the New York art world join together for such an important cause”. He adds: “In just a few short months, we, across the globe, have found ourselves in the midst of an upheaval of our everyday lives.”
Works in the sale will be donated by major international galleries, artists and private collectors. The auction house is currently seeking consignments and will announce more details in the coming weeks, but some confirmed lots include Albert Oehlen Chemical Schmutzli (2004) (est $800,000-$1.2m) and Mimi Lauter’s Untitled (Devotional Flower Landscape) (2018) (est $25,000-$35,000).
The Robin Hood Foundation helps vulnerable New Yorkers and administers relief funds for disasters such as the pandemic, which has had a grave impact on poorer neighbourhoods in New York, according to recent data released by public health officials that reveal significantly higher infection rates in such areas per capita.
“We feel a responsibility to advocate for the New Yorkers most affected by this crisis,” Dolman says. “We are grateful to those who have generously donated works to this auction and urge everyone to support Robin Hood however they can, as every dollar raised can make a tangible and lasting difference in our community.”
The Auction4NYC sale will open for bidding on 1 May and will close in conjunction with the foundation's virtual benefit on 11 May.