S otheby’s is committed to fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative art world. Through our Benefit Auction Program, we raise over $100 million annually for museums and charitable organizations, leveraging our platform to support hundreds of nonprofit partners. Beyond fundraising, our Community Gallery Program creates accessible spaces for mission-driven exhibitions, while our Sustainability Program drives industry-wide change by reducing our environmental footprint. Through the dedication of our employees, who volunteer during our Global Week of Giving, and spend over 500 hours of volunteer auctioneering, we continue to bridge the gap between art and philanthropy creating lasting impact.
As leaders in the global art market, we know that education and mentorship are essential for shaping the future of the industry. Annually we engage over 450 young people through social impact programming, providing mentorship, professional development workshops, gallery tours, and hands-on learning opportunities. Our month-long Summer Arts Academy in New York and global Talent Pipeline partnerships create pathways for students exploring careers in the arts, and our Microgrant Program, in partnership with ARTNOIR, has awarded 59 grants between $1,000 and $5,000 to emerging artists over the past two years.
With a presence in more than 40 countries, Sotheby’s continues to evolve its philanthropic efforts to ensure art remains a force for education, connection, and social progress. Whether through our employee resource groups, or our Global Ethics Committee, we strive to build a more engaged art community. We’re consistently organizing events, workshops and talks which demystify the auction experience and provide new collectors with valuable insights. We believe in cultivating a knowledge-sharing culture through internal programs, such as Global Colleague Connect, which empowers our employees to develop professionally while furthering our mission. Through collaboration across teams, and with artists, institutions, and collectors, we are shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future for the global art community—one that embraces diverse perspectives and drives innovation.
Read Less“Art allows us to see the world both as it is and as it could be, combining a deep appreciation of the past with a forward-thinking spirit of innovation. We all deserve equal access to create, experience, understand, and engage with art and the broader art world. As leaders in the global art market, we have the ability to transform the relationship between art and community, fostering a shared and more equitable vision for the future.”
Our Commitment
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Promoting AccessPromote access to the art and luxury industries for historically excluded communities through education and career opportunities that break down systemic barriers and empower a diverse and inclusive business and field.
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Protecting the PlanetChart a path to a more equitable and sustainable future by reducing our carbon footprint across business operations, supporting environmental initiatives and organizations, and extending the life cycle of art and culture for generations to come.
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Partnering with our CommunitiesLeverage our auction expertise and platform to raise funds for museums, cultural institutions, and other mission-driven organizations through benefit auctions and innovative partnerships that support the communities in which we live and work.
Benefit Auctions
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