Bono helps organise fundraising
Published on: 06-Dec-2007
U2 front-man Bono has leant his support to artist Damien Hirst in organising a charity fund raising event.The pair have persuaded leading contemporary artists from all over the world, including George Baselitz and Antony Gormley, to donate works for the auction, expected to raise an estimated $40 million.
The money is intended to go to support HIV/Aids relief programmes in Africa and will be distributed by the United Nations Foundation - set up in 1998 with a $1 billion donation from American entrepreneur, Ted Turner.
Controversial artist, Hirst, famous for his creation of a bisected-cow, donating four of his own works, said it was "great to be able to give something back and make a difference".
Bono said: "I love art for art's sake, but what we have here is a real moment in art history."
He added that Hirst was being "too modest" and that the impact of all the artists' contributions to the auction was "immeasurble".
The auction is due to take place at Sotheby's in New York on Valentines' Day next year, with previews being held at the Gagosian Gallery in Chelsea from February 4th to 13th.
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