Uwe Kowski Spielfeld (2014)
Photo: Mike Terry via Kunsthaus Lempertz

As Europe’s politicians are slow to take action on the migrant crisis, many citizen initiatives offer their help and donations to refugees who have survived the life-threatening journey and are seeking asylum in Europe. According to government figures, Germany expects over 800,000 refugees to apply for asylum by the end of the year.

Kunsthaus Lempertz has organized a charity auction at the house’s annual Art Dinner in association with the Bürgerstiftung Berlin (Civic Foundation of Berlin) to raise money for language and personal development courses for the children of asylum seekers.

Three weeks before the event, confirmed attendance to the dinner is already significantly higher than in the previous year, the auction house announced in a press release.

Thomas Zipp PPT # 17 (2010)
Photo: Kunsthaus Lempertz

Taking place in the imposing departure hall of Berlin’s decommissioned Tempelhof airport—which was the site of the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49—the dramatic backdrop is a strongly symbolic location for the art auction.

Collectors can look forward to exciting lots from artists such as Uwe Kowski, Thomas Zipp, Karin Kneffel, Thomas Struth, and Slavs and Tatars.

“As a Berliner I’m especially excited that so many renowned artists have joined forces to support the refugee children of our city,” said Jay Killian von Seldeneck, Director of Lempertz, Berlin.

The departure hall at Tempelhof Airport where the dinner and charity auction will take place.
Photo: BZ Berlin

He added that the organization Bürgerstiftung Berlin “deserves the highest possible respect and support. The charity promotes the language development of children from refugee families. This support is essential so that Berlin can live up to its reputation as Europe’s melting pot.”

Heike Maria von Joest, president of the Civic Foundation Berlin added “the Art Dinner 2015 is unique in many ways, the opportunity to dine in the departure hall of Tempelhof Airport … and take home uniquely beautiful artworks directly afterwards.”

Karin Kneffel Trauben (2005)
Photo: Mike Terry via Kunsthaus Lempertz

Individuals can sign up to attend the dinner for €125, or reserve a whole table for 12 persons for €1,500.

A preview of the artworks on offer takes place on September 9, and is followed by the dinner and charity auction on September 25.

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