London’s UPwithART 2026, a week-long art auction and cultural programme aimed at supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, will take place this April.
Photo Credit: Museum London, UPwithART
The event will feature more than 50 artworks and objects, bringing together contributions from established and emerging artists and participants from the Unity Project. Additional items and experiences have been donated by local collectors, businesses and community partners.
The initiative seeks to raise funds while maintaining public access to art, history and cultural spaces. Organisers say the event blends fundraising with public engagement through exhibitions, performances and interactive activities.
What to expect
Visitors can also expect a mix of entertainment and participatory elements, including live music, creative workshops and social activities. The event is positioned as both a fundraising effort and a community gathering.
What to see and do
The event unfolds in three stages, starting with the online auction on April 16 at 7:00 PM. Following this, participants can begin browsing the catalogue and placing bids remotely. Between April 17 and April 24, the artworks will be on display at Museum London. This period is dedicated to in-person viewing, giving visitors time to explore the collection in a quieter setting and take a closer look at the pieces before final bidding.
The programme concludes on April 25 with the main event, held from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This evening brings together the auction, performances and activities in one setting. Bidding remains open during the event and will close at 9:30 PM.
Live music runs throughout the night, with KJ and the Motones performing Motown and Soul, followed by a multi-genre set from DJ El Colocho featuring Latin, Caribbean, Afro, disco and hip hop/R&B tracks.
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Alongside the performances, attendees can take part in interactive activities such as the Aura Joymail station, where participants create small artworks and leave written messages that become part of a shared display.
Other elements include a 50/50 raffle draw, scheduled for 10:00 PM, with a guaranteed minimum prize of $1,000. Food and beverages, including canapés and a cash bar, will be available, and guests can move freely through the gallery space to view the artworks and engage with others.
Where is the event
The event will take place at Museum London, located at 421 Ridout Street North. The venue will host both the exhibition period and the final “arty-party” evening.
When is the event
- Auction opens online: April 16 at 7:00 PM
- In-person exhibition: April 17 to April 24
- Main event (arty-party): April 25 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Auction closes: April 25 at 9:30 PM
- Raffle draw: April 25 at 10:00 PM
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What is the cost
- Supporter Ticket: $80, which includes a $20 tax receipt. Available until April 16 at 11:59 PM.
- Premium Ticket: $180, including access to an exclusive preview event on April 16 and a $100 tax receipt.
Tickets can be purchased online. Each ticket grants access to the full programme on April 25, including performances, auction participation and activities.
UPwithART 2026 combines cultural programming with a social objective, directing proceeds toward homelessness relief initiatives while encouraging public engagement with local art and artists.