It’s a lucky dip with an astonishing difference. For only £40, art lovers could walk away with an original Tracey Emin as a leading South London academy school launches an innovative project to raise much needed cash as it, along with most state schools, faces a funding crisis over the next few years.
Thirty of the best art students from The Charter School North Dulwich, will get the opportunity to be exhibited and then sold alongside art greats including Tracey Emin, Sir Antony Gormley, Julian Opie and Gary Hume as well as a plethora of talented local artists at the Secret Charter art sale on Monday 15th October, 2018 at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
The Secret Charter initiative aims to sell over 500 postcard-sized pieces of original art at £40 a piece and in the process raise a substantial sum for The Charter School’s art department. A significant number of artists taking part, exhibited at this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
The Charter School North Dulwich is an outstanding, inclusive state secondary school in South London, which faces a projected deficit of up to half a million pounds over the next few years due to funding cuts and rising costs.
Secret Charter was conceived by pupil parent Laura Stephens, with the support of The Friends of the Charter School (PTA), and is designed to support the Arts at the school to help ensure that children, from all backgrounds, continue to receive the fantastic arts education they currently enjoy at the school.
A refurbishment of the Art Department’s dark room, along with a new printing press is top of the school’s wish list. The school drama and music departments will also benefit from the money raised.
Postcard vouchers will be sold online before the event via secretcharter.co.uk and on the evening of the event artworks will be allocated in tombola style, representing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a significant artwork by a leading artist, or a piece by one of the many contributing celebrities and public figures including Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn or actor and TV presenter James Corden.
In addition, there will be a small Silent Auction consisting of artworks from well-known artists who have donated more than one piece, as well as a few fragile or oversized framed pieces such as a delicate ceramic by Edmund de Waal and a second Tracey Emin artwork.
The event will take place on Monday 15th October 2018 at Dulwich Picture Gallery with afternoon viewings and an evening with an introduction by actor and local resident, James Nesbitt and Jennifer Scott, The Sackler Director at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Members of the public can buy a ticket on the door for £5 which gives them entry to the Secret Charter postcard sale as well as the gallery’s renowned collection of old masters.
Secret Charter’s Laura Stephens says, “We’re delighted to have the contributions from such internationally acclaimed artists, designers, illustrators, fashion designers and celebrities. Their support will raise the profile of the cause, which is to highlight the issue of funding cuts to the Arts in education, and of course raise as much money as possible for The Charter School’s Art department.
“We want the event to be accessible, therefore, each card will be sold for an affordable price. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to have their work shown at such a prestigious venue alongside world famous artists.”
Jennifer Scott, The Sackler Director at Dulwich Picture Gallery said, “As an arts charity we understand how challenging the economic climate can be for arts educational where funding is increasingly limited. We are delighted to be able to provide the Gallery as a venue for this event and to exhibit such an incredible range of talented modern artists for one special evening amongst our own world-class collection.”
Along with the above, high profile contributors include Tate artists Edmund de Waal, Jock McFadyen, Nicky Hirst, Jeremy Deller and Paul Winstanley, artists Maggi Hambling, Ian Davenport, Robert Crumb, John Keane, former children’s laureate and illustrator Chris Riddell, children’s book illustrator Axel Scheffler, and celebrities including Miranda Hart, Jo Brand, Micky Flanagan, Hugh Grant, David Mitchell and Adrian Lester.
‘Secret Charter…. A one off opportunity to buy an original artwork
by established and emerging artists and celebrities.’
Website: secretcharter.co.uk Instagram: @secretcharter Facebook: @secretcharter