Inside NYC Culture Club's Can't-Miss Artsy Auction To Benefit Turkey & Syria's Earthquake Relief

Last night the 80th floor of 4 World Trade Center was abuzz with artists, gallerists, and some of the top brass of the New York Art World. The occasion? To raise money for the relief efforts related to last February’s devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. While the news cycles and social media support may have moved on to new topics, the damages still continue to plague the region. To increase awareness and funding for those efforts, dozens of artists have donated works to raise money for Turkish Philanthropy Funds, Turkish Education Foundation, and Darussaafaka Cemiyeti, among other charities helping with relief in the region. 

The exciting auction and fabulous fête were put on by the NYC Culture Club—a non-profit art gallery in which artists typically yield 100% of their sales—and the digital action house Artsy. Guests mingled about, pausing their way through the gallery of collected works. While the auction is still open, current bids are expected to raise thousands for relief already. 

“We are so grateful to the artists who generously donated their work to the auction and to the auction benefit committee who worked tirelessly to make this happen,” shared Clayton Calvert, co-founder of NYC Culture Club with Parker Calvert, and a host of the evening’s party. “This event is a testament to the power of art and to help cope with and recover from devastation. We are honored to have collaborated with such an extraordinary group of artists, curators, and supporters to help the best way we know how. It’s really beautiful and inspiring to see the generosity from all over the world.”

Of the 84 lots up for sale, the artists included are a regular who’s who of the city’s great emerging and established talents. Kevin Claiborne, Chellis Baird, Patrick Bayly, Darryl Westly, and Taezoo Park have all submitted works, with the curatorial efforts managed by Parker and Clayton Calvert and Artsy, along with several other leading art advisors including Anwarii Musa, Storm Ascher, and Zeynep Utku.

Whispering Angel rosé and offerings from Pernod Ricard, along with a tempting charcuterie table of bites, gave guests plenty to sip on while looking out over the city from the 80th floor of the Silverstein-owned tower, who host several arts programs in the building. In the Oculus below, the nonprofit gallery is supported by building owner Westfield.

The auction currently has over $200,000 of donated work that will go to relief efforts. “When the news cycle moves on, it does not mean there is resolution for those facing tragedy,” said Laura Day Webb, a member of the benefit committee for the evening. “It’s why this is so important to continue to raise awareness and provide support.”

“We are beyond grateful to come together miles away from the affected areas for such a beautiful cause,” says benefit committee member Lara Binnet. “I’m thankful for all the participants and NYC Culture Club for making this happen.”

The auction is still open today so snag your favorite work before someone else swoops in.

Curious to see inside the artsy shindig? 

Click through for a look at the sky high scene!