Jeddah – A special charity art auction held in Saudi Arabia last night (26 June, 2019)  raised $1.3m / 4.8m SAR for a new heritage museum in Jeddah’s Historical District, one of the Kingdom’s listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a children’s non-profit organisation The Help Center.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with Christie’s, Art for Al Balad was one of the first art auctions of its kind to take place in Saudi Arabia since ambitious plans to boost cultural activities across the Kingdom were announced earlier this year. 

More than 40 works of contemporary Middle Eastern art were generously donated for the sale by collectors, artists and gallerists including works by artists representing Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region.

The top three selling works in the auction were: Lot 40, Tawaf Around the Kabbah 2 by Abdullah AlShalty, $173,000 / SAR 650,000; Lot 12, Where to by HRH Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, $133,333 / SAR 500,000; Lot 30, Witness in the Desert 1 by Abdullah AlShaikh, $101,333 / SAR 380,000.

The art offered in the auction was exhibited for two days prior to the sale, with hundreds of local residents and visitors came to historic Nassif House, in the heart of Al Balad, Jeddah’s Historic District.   

Ministry of Culture spokesperson Abdulkarim AlHumaid said: “It has been a privilege For the Ministry of Culture to host Art for Al Balad and welcome so many visitors to Jeddah Historical District – the cultural heartbeat of this great historical city and one of Saudi Arabia’s heritage gems. Not only has the auction helped two important local causes, it has demonstrated the wealth of artistic talent that exists in the Kingdom and the wider Arab world. It is the Ministry of Culture’s aim to provide many more opportunities like this where our artists can showcase their talent to a global audience and Saudi citizens can enjoy culture as part of their everyday lives.”

Michael Jeha, Chairman, Christie’s Middle East, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this great project which demonstrates Christie’s ongoing commitment to supporting the artists, the culture and the preservation of history in the region. Since we opened our office in the Middle East in 2005, we have supported many events and helped raise more than $25 million for various charities in the region. The auction last night was hugely successful and we were delighted we were able to help.”