Customised Fender guitars up for auction to support the vital work of The Big Issue in time of crisis.
The Big Issue is an award-winning weekly entertainment and current affairs magazine, which offers a new hope for homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK. When sellers are able to sell, they buy magazines for £1.50 and sell to the public for £3, keeping the difference. In this way the magazine provides them with the means to earn a legitimate income.
Sellers come from a variety of backgrounds and face a range of issues, but all are experiencing the effects of poverty. Upon becoming a Big Issue seller they receive training, are allocated a fixed pitch from which to vend, and must agree to adhere to a code of conduct whilst selling the magazine.
Goldie, Gavin Turk, Jamie Reid, Lauren Baker and Rugman are among 21 creative geniuses who have generously lent their talents to create extraordinary works for the auction, which will be held by The Auction Collective on Wednesday 4th November.
The Big Art Auction is a collaboration between The Big Issue Group and Creative Giants and has been made possible by a donation from Fender of a collection of iconic Stratocaster guitars. The project was also kindly supported by Art Below.
The nine artists who have customized the iconic instruments are: Gavin Turk, Goldie, Bran Symondson, Lauren Baker, Vhils, Joe Rush, Jamie Reid, Rugman, Joana Vasconcelos.
Alongside the customised Stratocasters there are also a range of limited edition and exclusive artworks including lithographs, paintings, prints and sculpture.
Other artists involved include Radiohead’s artist of choice Stanley Donwood, Conrad Shawcross, Adam Neate, Gary Stranger, Hayden Kays, and Unskilled Worker as well as a portfolio of limited edition prints donated by Bridgeman Images from Bill Jacklin, Cathie Pilkington, Eileen Cooper, Paul Huxley, Stephen Farthing, and Vanessa Jackson.
The Big Art Auction will be a live- streamed event, taking place at 19.00 on Wednesday 4th November at The Auction Collective. The evening will include video messages from the artists involved.
The Big Issue is offering increased support for sellers who are unable to get out to their pitches to sell or who are facing increased hardship. The proceeds from the auction will enable the frontline team to keep providing the day to day support that has been so essential in keeping sellers going through this unprecedented time.
Goldie commented:
“Such an awesome project to really put light on the homelessness in the UK. Big up Big Issue for involving me in this project, it is an honour.”
Adam Neate commented:
“I have a history suffering from psychosis and have been so lucky to have the support of my family and doctors to help me through the hard times. I know how easy it is for someone with mental health problems but without the support to end up on the streets.”
Russell Blackman, MD of The Big Issue, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Creative Giants and The Auction Collective on this hugely exciting event. The Big Art Auction comes off the back of an idea originally sparked from a kind donation from the legendary guitar manufacturer Fender and the timing couldn’t be better.
“With footfall down in previously busy high streets across the UK, it’s very tough out there at the moment for Big Issue sellers. The Big Art Auction, with these truly one-off works of art, will raise urgently-needed funds to ensure we can continue to support our sellers, both now and in the future.”
Simon Vaughan, Director at Creative Giants, said:
“We are so excited and proud to be part of The Big Art Auction. We believe art has the power to inspire, stimulate and promote new ideas! Our team of artists were enlisted to deliver a range of exciting and thought provoking artwork that could support The Big Issue to explore and challenge the problems of our society today and ultimately raise awareness and funds.”
Tom Best, Director of The Auction Collective, said:
“It is a cliche to say this, but this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own such extraordinary objects of art.
“The customised guitars auctioned together with more traditional contemporary sculpture and flat art, marry together the worlds of music, fine art and philanthropy in what will be an extremely important fundraising event for The Big Issue during these troubled times.”
Registration closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd November. Visit https://theauctioncollective.com/auctions/the-big-art-auction/ to register and to see a full list of auction lots.
For art lovers seeking a more affordable investment, a timed limited edition release of prints will be available for a 4 week period from 26th October.
Since its launch in 1991, over 200 million copies of The Big Issue magazine have been sold by over 100,000 vulnerable people.
For further information please go to www.bigissue.com
