Arts Foundation Autumn Auctions Raise Unrestricted Funds for UK Artists
From September 21 to October 16, 2026, the Arts Foundation is hosting autumn auctions to support independent artists in the UK. The event includes an online auction, a dinner with a live auction at Toklas in London, and participation in Sotheby’s October Contemporary Day Auction. Proceeds will go towards the Arts Foundation Futures Awards, providing five fellowships of £20,000 each, plus £1,000 for those who are shortlisted. Key donors include Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, and Tanoa Sasraku. Additionally, the Turner Prize exhibition will open at MIMA in Middlesbrough on September 26. Since its start in 1993, the foundation has given over £2 million to artists and recently increased its fellowship amount to £20,000. Online bidding is available until October 5, followed by a live auction that evening.
Key facts
- The Arts Foundation fundraising programme runs from 21st September to 16th October 2026.
- It includes an online auction, a dinner and live auction at Toklas in London, and selected works at Sotheby’s October Contemporary Day Auction.
- Proceeds support the Arts Foundation Futures Awards, providing five £20,000 Fellowships each year and £1,000 for every shortlisted artist.
- Donating artists include Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Joy Gregory, Claudette Johnson and Tanoa Sasraku.
- Headline works include Antony Gormley’s Draw (2025) and Anish Kapoor’s Omo (2019).
- Tanoa Sasraku is shortlisted for the 2026 Turner Prize for Morale Patch at the ICA; the Turner Prize exhibition opens at MIMA, Middlesbrough, on 26th September.
- The Arts Foundation was founded in 1993 and has awarded more than £2 million to artists.
- Online bidding opens 21st September and runs until 5th October; selected works are on view at Sotheby’s, 34–35 New Bond Street, London, from 9th–15th October, with the Contemporary Day Auction on 16th October 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Antony Gormley
- Anish Kapoor
- Joy Gregory
- Claudette Johnson
- Tanoa Sasraku
- Allison Katz
- Florian Meisenberg
- Marcus Coates
- Harley Weir
- Ali Smith
- Carol Morley
- Sam Lee
- Jochen Holz
- Joanna Pocock
- Savinder Bual
- Ken Grant
- Alex Hartley
- Holly Hendry
- Permindar Kaur
- Love Ssega
- Charlotte McLean
- Sir Wayne McGregor
- Sir Rufus Norris
- Asif Kapadia
- Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
- Sarah Kane
- Simon Schama
- Kevin O’Hare CBE
- Lindsey Mendick
- Guy Oliver
- Daniel Casimir
- Nemone Metaxas
Institutions
- The Arts Foundation
- Toklas
- Sotheby’s
- ICA
- MIMA
- National Gallery
- Royal Ballet
- Royal Opera House
- Quench Gallery
- BBC Radio 6 Music
Locations
- UK
- London
- Middlesbrough
- Margate
- 34–35 New Bond Street