Here & Now Art Auction Launched to Support Cornwall Dementia Groups

A fundraising art auction featuring over 50 Cornish artists has gone live, aiming to raise £8,000 to fund dementia support groups in the county.

Artwork Hidden in Plain Sight

The Here & Now exhibition and auction is now open online via this link, showcasing 52 postcard-sized artworks. Each piece has been donated anonymously, and artists’ names will only be revealed after the auction ends on Thursday 20th June 2025.

All artworks respond to the theme Here & Now, highlighting the importance of connection, identity and joy in the lives of people living with dementia.

Co-Director of Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery, Bryony Robins, said:

“We were fascinated to see the diversity and originality of the artwork submitted for the Here & Now charity auction. We are deeply grateful to the artists who have chosen to support the work the museum is doing for people living with dementia, and for making this exciting exhibition possible.

This charity auction and exhibition will be unmissable and great fun – it’s an opportunity to purchase original and unique artworks, so do dig deep if you can.

By helping people connect through art and artefacts, we are playing an important health and wellbeing role in the community. However, we can’t do it alone, and this auction is just one of many innovative ways we’re raising funds for projects which make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Monday Museum Club Needs Your Help

Proceeds from the auction will go directly to Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery’s dementia programme, which includes the Monday Museum Club. The club was created in partnership with Memory Matters and supports people with mild to moderate dementia, helping them stay present, social, and independent through engaging activities using the museum’s historical collections.

Funds from the auction of the Here & Now artworks will go towards supporting and growing the Monday Museum Club.

• £4,000 will keep one group going for a year

• £8,000 will fund both for the year ahead

Bidding Closes 20th June

The exhibition is open at Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery from 24th May to 21st June, with the auction closing during a special evening event on Thursday 20th June. You can place your bids here and subscribe to updates and reminders as the auction draws to a close.

Among the artists who have donated work are Andrew Barrowman, Bec Appplebee, Simon Williams, Ilya Fisher, Sue Spence, Sally Atkins, Tony Plant, Michelle Costello, Philip Marsden and more. All artworks are the same size, slightly larger than a regular postcard, and are signed only on the back.

Can you guess which artist made which piece? Either way, every bid supports a good cause.