This is Not a Ball: The first online auction to benefit the MMFA
The pandemic has prevented the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) Foundation from organizing its traditional charity events that secure the MMFA’s viability. In face of this obstacle, the Foundation has decided to launch This is Not a Ball, its first-ever online philanthropic auction! Presented by RBC Royal Bank, the event will raise funds to enable the Museum to pursue its artistic and social mission. Artworks and exclusive experiences will be put on the virtual auction block from November 5 to 12, 2020, under the direction of Co-Chairs Sandra Chartrand, President of the Sandra and Alain Bouchard Foundation, and Nadine Renaud-Tinker, President of RBC, Quebec Region, RBC Royal Bank. This is Not a Ball but a unique opportunity to support your beloved Museum.
An original auction crafted by the MMFA Foundation
Three categories of auction items promise to excite the art lover in everyone. The first category will consist of artworks by Quebec and Canadian contemporary artists that will be specially chosen by Sylvie Lacerte, Curator of Quebec and Canadian Contemporary Art, MMFA. It will give the public an opportunity to acquire works prized by collectors by such artists as Pierre Dorion, Stéphane La Rue, Caroline Monnet and Nadia Myre, to name a few. Note that the participating creators and gallery owners will receive payment for their artwork at fair market value. Only the surplus amount will be given to the MMFA Foundation.
The second category will feature unique and exciting experiences. Those seeking something new can bid on such items as a luxurious night for two with gourmet dinner in the heart of the Museum’s galleries, an unforgettable fishing expedition at a private fishing lodge on Lac Mabille, with transportation by hydroplane, or a VIP getaway – by helicopter – to Quebec City’s Château Frontenac.
Finally, the third category will comprise** symbolic item**s, the proceeds from which will be given entirely to the Museum to support the institution in its mission and ensure its longevity. For example, a bidder could sponsor the restoration of an important work in the MFMA’s encyclopaedic collection or an activity offered by the Education and Wellness Division, like a workshop for elementary school students or a lecture led by a guest speaker at the Maxwell Cummings Auditorium.
Place your bids
Sign up for the MMFA Foundation’s newsletter to obtain information on how to take part in the auction: mbam.qc.ca/en/mmfa-newsletter/ (select MMFA Foundation in the list of preferences).
The web platform of This is Not a Ball will be activated on November 5, 2020. Participants simply need to create an account to start placing their bids.
Auction items dedicated to the MMFA’s Young Philanthropists’ Circle
Presented by Hatch, a selection of contemporary artworks chosen by Sylvie Lacerte will be reserved to members of the Young Philanthropists’ Circle (YPC). The works in this portion of the auction, whose starting bids are more accessible, are ideal as a first acquisition or an enhancement of an already growing collection.
Become a YPC member (40 years and under): mbam.qc.ca/en/philanthropic-circles/young-philanthropist-circle/
Your donations are the beating heart of the MMFA’s mission
The public’s generosity is vital to Museum’s ability to maintain and develop its activities. As a non-profit organization, and not a government-run institution, the MMFA self-finances the bulk of its programs through its annual operating budget, notably thanks to the help of its Foundation. The net proceeds generated by the auction will, among other things, support the enhancement of the Museum’s collection, the presentation of major exhibitions and the development of numerous educational and wellness programs. signedbyyou.ca
Acknowledgements
The MMFA Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to the auction’s Co-Chairs, Sandra Chartrand, President of the Sandra and Alain Bouchard Foundation, and Nadine Renaud-Tinker, President of the Quebec Region, RBC Royal Bank
