Tag: anonymous heART project

Anonymous art auction brings in over £100,000 for lifesaving heart research

Heart Research UK’s ‘anonymous heART project’ has raised an astonishing £101,779.50, auctioning pieces of A5 artwork produced by a host of internationally acclaimed artists, musicians and celebrities.

Famous artists like Julian Opie, Ralph Steadman, Zabou and the charity’s own patron Robert Smith (The Cure) were joined by hundreds of international artists to create over 540 pieces of unique artwork that were auctioned on eBay between the 3rd – 12th November 2023.

Though the list of contributors was available to all bidders, which artist created which piece was kept anonymous, and will soon be revealed now that the auction is over.

The charity’s patron, iconic rockstar Robert Smith has contributed to the auction for several years, and his pieces are always highly sought after. The four he created this year raised a staggering £18,173.98 in total.

Robert Smith said: “Thanks to all the artists and all the bidders this year’s ‘anonymous heART project’ was the best yet. It is such a great idea and such a great charity, I am very proud to be involved.”

The amount from this year’s auction is added to the £250,000 already raised since the project started in 2018 and will be used to fund pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “Thank you to all the artists who have contributed to this year’s anonymous heART project and bidders who have supported the project. This year has been the most successful yet and is one of our biggest annual fundraisers.

“It’s always wonderful to see how excited people are about the auction. It’s the perfect way for people to support lifesaving heart research whilst receiving beautiful pieces of art.

“We’d like to thank our patron Robert Smith and all of the other contributors for donating their time and for continuing to support this fantastic project.”

To find out more and to register your interest in next year’s anonymous heART project, please visit: heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/

Or follow the @he.art_project on Instagram for more updates.

Britain’s best known female street artist and LUAP join anonymous art auction for charity

Harry Styles, Rihanna and Adele all have one – and now you have the chance to snap up one of Bambi’s works for yourself. The London street artist is joining several other famous artists in this year’s ‘anonymous heART project’.

Bambi’s identity remains a closely guarded secret and her contemporary art is loved by many and can be spotted across London. She first came up on the art scene in 2010, when her tag appeared by a stencil portrait of Amy Winehouse in a doorway in Camden.

Now you can buy one of her works for yourself, possibly for a bargain price!

The artist, who often uses social commentary in her art, will take part in Heart Research UK’s annual ‘anonymous heART project’, where artworks created on A5 postcards are auctioned off with all money raised going to the charity.

How is it anonymous? Though the list of artists will be available to all bidders, the artist of each individual piece will be kept anonymous, only being revealed once the auction is over.

This year, Bambi joins Heart Research UK patrons Paul Insect and Robert Smith, as well as Ralph Steadman and LUAP in providing pieces of art.

The artist known as LUAP is famous for his paintings and photographs of a giant pink bear. The bear suit follows him to remote locations across the world where he photographs himself in the suit, tackling themes like the climate crisis, mental health and isolation.

Heart disease is something that has been prevalent in LUAP’s family.

LUAP said: “My Grandad was in his late 40’s when he had his first heart attack and retired by his 50’s due to having had several more.

“My Mum’s partner died at 43 with a heart attack whilst riding his bike – this was a huge shock as he was very fit and active so came as a total surprise.

“Home is where the heart is, and that’s where my connection to the disease starts as I am sure it is with many other families. The heart is a symbol of life and of love, and I would do all I can do to help with that.”

The project is entering its fifth year, which will see hundreds of anonymous artworks go under eBay’s virtual hammer and has so far raised over £200,000 for the charity’s pioneering research.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “Everyone at Heart Research UK is so thrilled to be back with the anonymous heART project for the fifth year in a row. We can’t wait for the auction to open and for people to be able to start bidding.

“As always, we’re incredibly grateful to all the artists who have contributed and sent us such amazing pieces, and we’d like to send a special thank you to our patrons Robert Smith and Paul Insect for their continued support.

“This project really is both a fun and vital part of our fundraising, with all the money raised being invested in the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.”

Law firm Walker Morris is back as sponsors for the project, after successful partnerships in 2018 and 2021. This year’s auction will be live on eBay from the 4th – 13th November and you can bid on your favourite piece here:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-auction