“This time of year tends to be the toughest for those experiencing homelessness. When the temperatures plummet, those enduring the cold nights out on the streets face unimaginable hardships. With more people than ever before without a place to call home, we’re trying to raise as much as possible to give these people a little bit of hope this Christmas.” – Emma McMillen, Dublin Simon Community Director of Homeless and Community Services
The latest homeless figures tell us that there are currently 11,952 people including 3,887 children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin alone. In reality, the story is even bleaker, as these numbers do not include those rough sleeping, people in domestic violence shelters, refugees, and those on our streets seeking asylum.
In the face of this staggeringly depressing situation, Dublin Simon Community is once again endeavouring to raise some vital funds to help alleviate the worst of times for those most affected by the housing crisis this Christmas.
In an effort to help those experiencing homelessness across Dublin and beyond, they’ve launched A Community of Hope: Artists for Dublin Simon, their third annual online art auction.
The 2024 Art Auction raised €65,000 and the hope this year is to increase funds raised in a bid to meet the ever growing demand for Dublin Simon’s services. All proceeds will go directly to Dublin Simon Community, with all those involved donating their work and services without charge.
Established and curated by Dublin artist John O’Donnell, and hosted at gormleysartauctions.com from December 5th to 15th, the auction will offer an exciting and eclectic collection of more than 100 original artworks, limited edition prints, photography, jewellery, and signed memorabilia from many of Ireland’s leading artists, makers and creators.
Contributors include visual artists Carol Hodder, Colin Martin, Bernadette Kiely, Guggi, Cléa van der Grijn, John O’Donnell, Richard Proffitt, Alastair Keady, Derval Freeman, Adrian O’Carroll, Geraldine Carton, Solus, Louise Neiland, Adrian & Shane, Ishmael Claxton, Rukmini Kelkar, Kurt Oppermann, musicians Bono, Caroline Corr, Andrea Corr, Gavin Friday, Liam Ó Maonlaí; jewelry designer Chupi Sweetman, designers Electronic Sheep, national treasure Panti Bliss and many more.
A selection of works will be exhibited at FLUX Dublin 2, 4 Chatham Row, Dublin 2 from Friday December 5th to Wednesday December 10th between 11am and 5pm daily (the exhibition closes Wednesday at 12pm).
The full catalogue of works can be viewed at gormleysartauctions.com from Friday December 5th, when bidding also opens.
The auction closes on Monday December 15th.
Speaking about the importance of the annual Art Auction, Emma McMillen, Dublin Simon Community Director of Homeless and Community Services, said, “We want to bring as many people in out of the cold as we can, but we need help to do it…
By getting involved in our Art Auction, people can help raise vital funds for those experiencing homelessness while getting an amazing piece of art. So many incredible artists are taking part this year and we’re so grateful to them for their support.”
Every artwork bought starts a journey home for someone who does not have one. Please support if you can.
#DublinSimonArtAuction
Feature Image: Ishmael Claxton, Blind Man’s Meal
