Art lovers are invited to bid on hotly-tipped artists at a Birmingham charity auction, with very affordable reserves meaning there will be bargains on the night. The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists is to hold its first Charity Auction on November 2, run by Bonhams and hosted by Deutsche Bank at their prestigious Brindleyplace offices. Tickets are £10 with income from ticket sales going to Autistica, Deutsche Bank’s Charity of the Year. All auction proceeds will go to the RBSA: lots have been donated by artists to raise funds for the visual arts charity which is one of the oldest Royal Societies in the UK. Auction highlights include works by prominent artists including Alex Callaway, John Scott Martin, Edward Noott and Robert Neil, all of whom have exhibited nationally and internationally, and whose art is held in private collections around the globe. And there will be plenty of local appeal on the night, as regionally-renowned artists such as Robert Perry, Celia Nancarrow, the late Paul Hipkiss, George Jackson and Viv Astling also appear. Robert Neil, President of the RBSA and a past finalist in the BP Portrait Award, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for art lovers to snap up a potential bargain. The range of artists featured at our Charity Auction is breathtaking. “Reserves are very affordable, and it is possible that you could walk away with a work worth hundreds, if not thousands of pounds, for a fraction of the price. “We hope to see both established collectors and those new to buying art at the event, which promises to be a thrilling night, and one we hope will raise much-needed funds, both for the RBSA and Autistica.” The RBSA does not receive any regular government funding. Our Charity Auction is an exciting new way for the Society to fundraise, and will supplement annual donations from charities, corporates, and individuals. Help keep the Gallery open by buying an auction ticket today. We want the RBSA to continue in its valuable services to the public and artists alike. Guests on the night will also be invited to support Autistica with an optional donation. Jon Spiers, Chief Executive at Autistica, said, “We’re thrilled to be chosen as RBSA’s partner charity benefitting from ticket sales from the event, which will help us to give long, happy, healthy lives to all autistic people and their families through groundbreaking research.” A spokesperson for Bonhams added: “‘Bonhams are honoured to be asked to assist with the auction of these works in order to raise funds for these very worthy charitable causes.” To purchase a ticket: • Call us on 0121 236 4353 to pay by card over the phone • Send a cheque in the post (payable to 'RBSA') to RBSA, 4 Brook St, Birmingham B3 1SA • Pay by cash in person at the Gallery • Pay via our website www.rbsa.org.uk/store/rbsa-charity-auction/ To keep up with all the latest news from the RBSA, join our mailing list by visiting www.rbsa.org.uk ENDS NOTES TO EDITORS Images of artworks, reserve prices and artist biographies can be viewed at Flickr. Interview requests should go via Natalie Osborne on 0121 236 4353 or [email protected] • The RBSA is a visual arts charity. The gallery is open every day with free admission. Our annual programme includes 15 major exhibitions, 3 designer-maker craft exhibitions and 18 solo shows. Last year 15,164 visits were made to the Gallery. • We provide free artist demonstrations, talks and other events for visitors, enjoyed by 3,975 attendees last year. We deliver art workshops for all abilities, including families, adults and school students. Over 600 people take part in our art workshops each year. • Autistica funds and campaigns for medical research to: understand the causes of autism, develop new treatments, and ensure that everyone with autism has the chance of a healthier and happier life.