There are moments when the art world moves beyond galleries and collectors and becomes something far more immediate — a gathering driven by urgency, compassion, and collective action. That spirit was unmistakable on Thursday, February 26, when Get Up Stand Up: Artists for Jamaica and Los Angeles brought together artists, musicians, and cultural leaders in Hollywood during Frieze LA for a powerful evening dedicated to relief and recovery.
Presented by CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) and TBA21 – Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, the benefit auction united the international creative community in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the ongoing impact of Los Angeles’ wildfires. What unfolded was not simply an auction, but a reminder of how culture can mobilize real-world change.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy felt collaborative rather than ceremonial. Among those in attendance were Winnie Harlow, Diplo, Evan Ross, Zuri Marley, Urs Fischer, Simon de Pury, Lauren Taschen, Rachael Barrett, Brigitte Romanek, Rosetta Getty, Gloria von Habsburg, Balthazar Getty, and many more figures spanning art, fashion, and music. The evening reflected a shared understanding that creativity carries influence — and influence can translate into impact.
At the center of the night was a riveting live auction led by legendary auctioneer Simon de Pury, whose presence brought both theatrical flair and deep expertise to the room. The event ultimately raised more than $500,000, with bidding continuing online through additional lots featuring works by artists including Nari Ward, Alberta Whittle, Phoebe Collings-James, Hank Willis Thomas, Tomás Saraceno, Ernesto Neto, and Ragnar Kjartansson.
One of the evening’s earliest highlights set the tone: a spirited bidding war between Diplo and Winnie Harlow over a one-of-a-kind photograph by Savannah Baker, with the international DJ ultimately claiming the piece. Moments like this blurred the line between philanthropy and celebration, reminding attendees that generosity can also be joyful.
The star artwork of the night, Urs Fischer’s Lifeboat (2024), stood as the only piece physically on view — a symbolic centerpiece that reflected both vulnerability and resilience. Later, the auction’s final lot shifted the atmosphere once again, offering a five-night stay at Diplo’s Jamaican retreat, described by Architectural Digest as a “Private Jungle Paradise.” Before bidding began, the musician added a bespoke song to the package, turning the lot into a deeply personal offering that captured the evening’s creative spirit.
As the formal program concluded, the event transitioned naturally into celebration, with music from Zuri Marley, Troy Baker, and G33ZY filling the space before a special performance by Santigold carried the night into its final hours. Dancing replaced bidding paddles, but the sense of purpose remained constant.
Behind the scenes, producers Rachael Barrett and Lauren Taschen played key roles in bringing the event to life, supported by a global network of artists, galleries, and patrons including Thaddaeus Ropac, Alvaro Barrington, Nicola Vassell Gallery, Fortes D’Aloia, and Hauser & Wirth. Their collective contributions underscored how deeply interconnected the art ecosystem has become when responding to humanitarian need.
What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is its long-term vision. One hundred percent of proceeds will support CORE’s recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild after Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Haiti while also addressing the destruction caused by Los Angeles wildfires. Funds will further strengthen CORE’s Emergency Response Fund, enabling rapid, community-led action across approximately twelve global emergencies each year.
Founded after the 2010 Haiti earthquake by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, CORE has built its mission around listening first and responding with locally informed solutions — an approach that mirrors the collaborative philosophy of TBA21, the international foundation established by Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza to champion art as a catalyst for social and environmental transformation.
In many ways, the evening reflected that shared belief: art is not separate from the world’s challenges but deeply embedded within them. Auctions may revolve around objects, but their real value often lies in the stories and communities they support.
As the online auction continues, Get Up Stand Up stands as a reminder that when artists, collectors, and audiences come together with intention, creativity becomes more than expression — it becomes action.