Sotheby’s and Google Are Teaming Up to Auction Off a Coffee Date With Hillary Clinton and Other Star-Studded Virtual Experiences for Charity

How do you stage a charity auction in the era of social
distancing? Sotheby’s and Google have cracked the code with a
collaboration, announced today, to benefit the International Rescue
Committee. The auction house and tech giant are launching an online
sale of unique experiences that can be enjoyed virtually (but only
on Google Meet, of course—not their competitor Zoom).

Among the highlights: coffee with Hillary Rodham Clinton, a
chance to record a song virtually with Sting, a hangout with
comedian Sacha Baron Cohen “to chat about anything from
writing comedy to regulating the internet” (?), and a personal
virtual tour of Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was
filmed, with the show’s lead actors and creator. Also on offer: a
private conversation with Apollo 9 astronaut Russell Schweickart,
the first spacewalker of the Apollo program, and a date to make a
virtual artwork with UK artist Marc Quinn.

Bidding starts at $50 for each of the experiences and 100
percent of the proceeds from the auction, including Sotheby’s
buyer’s premium, will go toward the International Rescue
Committee’s work to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in
vulnerable communities.

The sale is significant not only for its high-profile and novel
offerings, but also because those in the industry are watching
closely as art businesses attempt to pilot new collaborations amid
an ongoing reconsideration of business as usual.

“With COVID-19 impacting the way we live, work, learn, and
socialize, the need for secure video meetings to foster human
connection has never been greater,” Javier Soltero, general
manager for Google, said in a statement.

Another point of interest: There are no reserve prices for these
items, so you could potentially end up with a Downton Abbey tour on
the cheap, while still giving money to charity!

“Many of our clients around the world have enquired about
supporting COVID-19 relief efforts and, with the partnership of
Google and so many leading figures who have pledged to support this
unique auction event of virtual experiences, we are looking forward
to supporting the efforts of the International Rescue Committee,”
said Charles Stewart, the CEO of Sotheby’s, in a statement.

The auction will be held online from May 1 through 8.

The post Sotheby’s and Google Are Teaming Up to Auction Off
a Coffee Date With Hillary Clinton and Other Star-Studded Virtual
Experiences for Charity appeared first on artnet
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