2009

Art for Africa 2009 was a groundbreaking charity auction, held at Sotheby’s London, organized by Zuka’s founder Jessica Getty and South African artist Beezy Bailey.

This event, with an unfamiliar formula at the time whereby leading contemporary artists generously donated works to be auctioned with all proceeds going to two notable charities: Wild Impact (at the time, named Africa Foundation) which supports sustainable development in rural African communities, including those surrounding Zuka Private Game Reserve, and Ikamva Labantu, which aids vulnerable children in South Africa.

This auction, beautifully curated by Beezy Bailey as a result of the deeply sincere responses of prominent British and South African artists who donated their works, including Antony Gormley, Marlene Dumas, Marc Quinn, Terry O’Neil, Yinka Shonibare and Tracey Emin was lead by Oliver Barker, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe.

A performance by traditional Zulu warriors brought surprise and delight to the Bond Street auction room and set the tone for the evening, reflecting the event’s cultural significance. Proceeds were directed to health, education, and community support projects in South Africa, exemplifying the spirit of ubuntu, or collective compassion.