Kaiser Chiefs draw up Ruby celebrations for St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds

Ruby, ruby, ruby, ruby....
Kaiser Chiefs helping to celebrate the Ruby anniversary of St Gemma's Hospice in LeedsKaiser Chiefs helping to celebrate the Ruby anniversary of St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds
Kaiser Chiefs helping to celebrate the Ruby anniversary of St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds

Leeds own Ruby hitmakers Kaiser Chiefs and a stella-line up of other household names have drawn up plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of St Gemma's Hospice with a unique art fundraiser.

The rock superstars along with John Bishop, Theresa May, Ashley Jackson and many more have all contributed postcard-sized artworks for The Secret Art Project.

Top secret will be the identity of the artists until after the online eBay auction, which will run from October 23 to November 2.

BID HERE: You will be able to bid for the art once the auction starts on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at 7pm - CLICK HERE.

For more information call Freya on 0113 218 5580.

All the art will be displayed as part of a 40th Anniversary Arts Festival, supported by Progeny, at The Grammar School at Leeds, Alwoodley, from Wednesday to Sunday, October 24 to 28. Entry is £3 per person.

It will also feature 40 Faces of St Gemma’s Hospice, an exhibition of photographs taken by Olivia Hemingway, which aims to show the diverse mix of people who experience the hospice eery day and the reality of hospice care.

Ruby anniversary fundraising art sale to celebrate 40th birthday of St Gemma's HospiceRuby anniversary fundraising art sale to celebrate 40th birthday of St Gemma's Hospice
Ruby anniversary fundraising art sale to celebrate 40th birthday of St Gemma's Hospice

They have been photographed in places of significance to them, including in their own homes as their personal stories are told alongside the pictures, demonstrating strong feelings of hope, love, humour and bravery.

It is all part of an annual Art and Photography Exhibition and Sale, which celebrates local talent and will include a hospice donation from every sale. There will also be an arts café selling homemade cakes, coffee and teas.

St Gemma's bosses are hoping the Festival could raise £40,000 towards the annual £10m cost of running the hospice, which prides itself on offering the best possible care and quality of life for local people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses – both at the hospice and in the community.

Pete Watson, Senior Events Fundraiser for the Hospice said: "The Arts Festival is a wonderful celebration of art showcasing the fantastic talents of our local artists.

St Gemma's Hospice 40th Anniversary Arts FestivalSt Gemma's Hospice 40th Anniversary Arts Festival
St Gemma's Hospice 40th Anniversary Arts Festival

"It is also an important fundraiser for St Gemma’s, as a percentage of every exhibit sold is donated to the hospice, helping us raise vital funds. It will cost over £10 million this year to keep the doors of the hospice open.

"We want people to take a look at work in the Secret Art Project and bid on their favourite art, or the piece they think a celebrity has created!

"Contributors’ names will be used to promote the project but who created which individual piece of artwork will be a secret.

"So it’s all down to the bidding for what might be a high-value postcard, which is what makes this project so exciting!"

MORE DETAILS: For more information visit events.st-gemma.co.uk or contact the hospice on 0113 218 5505.

ST GEMMA'S HOSPICE LINKS: