MUNICH.- Corona smashed the great plans the Friends of PIN. had. Instead of the big saleroom auction at Pinakothek der Moderne and different satellite locations, there will now be two digital online charity auctions.

“Our motto has never been more topical: Life is Art. Now more than ever. We are taking on this challenge”, explains PIN. managing director Dorothee Wahl in Munich. “The second wave of corona forced us to make entirely new plans. But corona is not going to weaken our commitment to support museums and artists with the yields from the charity auction this year, too.“

Which is why only the live events with an audience will be canceled, while the charity auction itself will take place live and online. And everyone is welcome to place bids. “Those who want to join us in our support of museums, galleries and artists in hard times like these get a perfect chance to do so. Indeed, it‘s really easy: The live auction will be streamed online. Commissions can be placed before the auction, but for those who don‘t want to pass on the excitement of an auction, we also offer phone and online bidding,“ explains auctioneer Robert Ketterer.




The art world needs help and solidarity now more than ever: Museum visits have plummeted due to corona and the institutions face empty pockets, budget cuts and canceled exhibitions. Long-planned projects are put on hold.

A lot of galleries are in exactly the same situation. And when museums and galleries are ailing, artist get into dire straits, too, and the future of the entire scene is in peril – but without art the world would be a different place.

“PIN. has already seen a wave of aid,“ states Dorothee Wahl. The circle of friends feels strong solidarity with the museums it supports. Artists, at the same time, show a strong sense of solidarity with the museums that exhibit their works. PIN.‘s intention behind this auction is to support the entire art scene: this is the first time that consigning galleries and artists get a substantial share of the auction’s proceeds. Last but not least, those buying an artwork in this auction do their best to help art and culture survive.

“Art lovers have it in their hands,“ says Dorothee Wahl. “With a successful sale of the around 100 works we have been entrusted with we can set a strong signal for the art location Munich.“ And make sure that planned exhibitions of works by Gerhard Richter, Ólafur Elíasson, Alexandra Bircken or Maarten Baas will take place.

The rest of the concept remains untouched.