Guelph Arts Council invites donations of previously owned art for fundraiser

GUELPH – Guelph Arts Council (GAC) is inviting people to donate original art for its annual Collector’s Dilemma fundraiser.

The auction moved online in 2020 and will go online again this year from May 6-20. It depends on donations of art from collectors for its success. The money raised goes to GAC to help support local artists and arts organizations.

Laurel McKellar, vice-president of GAC’s volunteer board of directors, explained  how Collector’s Dilemma is unique.

“This a different kind of fundraising auction because we don’t ask artists to donate work. We ask people who have art they purchased in the past and enjoyed, but no longer have space for. It could be a business that is changing up their office space, or a collector who is moving, downsizing or redecorating, or anyone who recently bought or received new art and needs space.”

GAC welcomes donations of original works or numbered prints. Donors get a tax receipt for the full selling price of the donated artwork.

“This is such a unique opportunity. It’s always fun to see what art treasures people have in their collections that are just waiting for a new home,” McKellar added.

Pandemic shutdowns have been especially hard on artists, musicians, performers, and arts organizations. GAC has been working to help them find new ways to reach their audiences and rebuild income.

In 2021, GAC is building a new accessible and collaborative digital cultural hub for Guelph and Wellington County. The hub is intended to help creative workers grow their sales and improve access to resources for a diverse community of artists.

For more information on Collector’s Dilemma, or to offer art for donation please email guelphartsevents@gmail.com.