A fundraising gala is to take place on 3 October at south west London's Battersea Arts Centre.
Included in the lots are a bespoke sculpture by Grayson Perry, who had a studio in the BAC basement in the 1980s; titled "Fucking Art Centre" the work depicts the old town hall with his beloved childhood teddy bear, Alan Measles, in the entrance.
Fellow Turner Prize winner Sir Anish Kapoor, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, BAC patron Toby Jones, Channel 4 News Anchor Jon Snow and actor Adrian Lester are amongst those who have donated over 20 artworks and experiences that include money can’t buy tickets and tailor-made workshops.
When Battersea Arts Centre was being refurbished in 2015, a fire broke out which caused significant damage, most notably to the venue's Grand Hall.
Since then restoration and refurbishment work has continued and the Grand Hall is scheduled to reopen next year, putting the venue back to full capacity.
Whilst the venue carried on its work thanks to a generous outpouring of support and practical help, the fire put the venue's largest income-generating space out of use for a significant time and this event will raise funds to help cover the financial loss sustained during the Grand Hall's period of closure.
Artistic director David Jubb said, "next year, the rebuilt Grand Hall will once again be the crowning glory of the former town hall that we call home. In the meantime, our hive of a building remains full of activity despite having to operate without income from our largest space.
"We cannot thank everyone enough for the support given to the organisation in the aftermath of the Grand Hall fire and we hope people will stick with us for this fundraising push in advance of the reopening. Bid on a one-of-a-kind artwork at our first ever auction, join us as a member or buy a ticket for a show in our autumn season—all of these things will enable us to continue our work with artists, families, museums, young people, entrepreneurs and countless members of our local community. We are forever thankful."
Merchandise featuring Grayson’s "Fucking Art Centre" design is on sale and BAC is launching a new membership scheme. Those who sign-up or renew their memberships before the New Year will receive a textured slice of the charred wooden beams salvaged from the fire, alongside discount and priority booking benefits. They will also be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a backstage tour of the redeveloped building and pairs of tickets to each show in the opening season, topped off with an overnight stay in one of Battersea Arts Centre’s artist bedrooms.
The auction will be run by Christie's.