Firstdraft Auction announces 2021 dates

Firstdraft Auction has announced its 2021 dates, set to present the annual fundraising event online once again this year, from 13-22 August.

“The Firstdraft Auction is our most important fundraising initiative, and an annual survey of some of the most exciting art and artists from across Australia,” say the organisers.

“It is a diverse and intergenerational platform for artists to connect with a passionate community of collectors, while supporting new generations of practitioners.”

Established in 1986, Firstdraft is Australia’s longest running artist-led organisation, presenting a diverse program of exhibitions and events every year. Its auctions represent a unique opportunity for artists to support other artists.

Since 2009, artists from across Australia and around the world – many of whom received early-career support through Firstdraft – have donated artworks to be sold. Under the auction’s model, half of the funds from each artwork sale helps Firstdraft to pay fees to every artist who participates in its program, with the other half paid as commission to the artist who donated the work.

With works in last year’s auction by artists the likes of Abdul Abdullah, Agatha Gothe-Snape, Dean Cross, Hayley Millar-Baker, Jonny Niesche, Ken Done, Louise Zhang, Teelah George, Tom Polo and Tony Albert to name a mere few, collectors can expect another impressive line-up in 2021.

Punters can now sign up for preview access to the online catalogue, special auction offers and promotions, and to be among the first in line when the Firstdraft Auction goes live: https://mailchi.mp/firstdraft/auction2021

Firstdraft is supported by the New South Wales Government through Create NSW, the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, and the City of Sydney through its Accommodation Grant Program.

This article was originally published 3 August 2021.