A group of 21 artists, including Antony Gormley, Brian Eno, and Mona Hatoum, have donated works to “Seeds of Solidarity,” an art auction organized by Health Workers 4 Palestine to support medical professionals in Gaza. The sale will take place on February 1 at The Savoy in London, with proceeds benefiting the Gaza Medics Solidarity Fund, which provides stipends for doctors, supports mobile clinics, and helps rebuild maternity wards. Separately, the Courtauld in London announced plans for two new contemporary art galleries and a reading room at Somerset House, funded by a £10 million donation from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, as part of an £82 million redevelopment set to open in 2029.
The auction highlights the art world's direct engagement with humanitarian crises, channeling high-profile donations into practical medical aid for Gaza amid ongoing devastation. The Courtauld's expansion signals a strategic shift toward contemporary art, placing living artists at the center of its activities and connecting historical collections with current practice. Meanwhile, a broader report on museum finances reveals that one in four US museums operates with weaker bottom lines than in 2019, underscoring persistent economic pressures despite the reinstatement of federal grants.