In 1962, Picelj initiated a series of his self-published “Edition a” art booklets, having released a total of seven publications up until 1964. Each issue of “Edition a” featured the work of one artist —mostly of a colleague whose work he admired.
In 1962, Picelj initiated a series of his self-published “Edition a” art booklets, having released a total of seven publications up until 1964. Each issue of “Edition a” featured the work of one artist —mostly of a colleague whose work he admired.
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In just four years, organizers have raised over 145 million PLN to support charitable activities run by the Omenaa Foundation, the Rafał Brzoska Foundation, and organizations affiliated with the Philanthropic Consortium. The fourth edition of the auction concluded with a record-breaking result: in less than two hours, over 29 million PLN was raised — an amount that was doubled with a private donation from Rafał Brzoska. Including additional contributions from participants, the total amount exceeded 60 million PLN. The funds raised will support, among other causes: childcare and foster institutions in Poland, mothers and children fleeing war in Ukraine, educational operations at Kids Haven School in Ghana (for children rescued from forced labor), and the construction of an adjacent sports and arts complex, scholarship programs for talented students from small towns in Poland.
Additionally, 30% of the total funds will support the Philanthropic Consortium – the first European platform bringing together NGOs and collaborating with global organizations such as the Obama Foundation, Rafa Nadal Foundation, Andrea Bocelli Foundation, and more than 60 other foundations active in Poland. Foundations, institutions, and individuals involved with the TOP CHARITY initiative and actively working in philanthropy are welcome to join.
At the heart of the event is art. Each auction features works by some of the most exciting Polish and international artists, often achieving record sales, such as 6.8 million PLN for Igor Mitoraj’s “Torso alato” in the 2024 edition. For nearly 12 months, the Artistic Council carefully selects works for the auction, ensuring a diverse range of mediums, generations, perspectives, and formats, so that every attendee can find something that speaks to them. In 2025, the auction featured 15 artworks and 10 unique „Great Emotion” experiences. The highest-selling piece was a sculpture by Pablo Atchugarry, sold for €720,000 (approx. 3.24 million PLN).
Other featured artists included: Bożenna Biskupska, Monika Falkus, Larry Amponsah, Yves Scherer, Igor Dobrowolski, Tadeusz Łodziana, Tadeusz Kantor, Ablade Glover, Jeff Koons, Yaw Owusu, Saad Qureshi, Matthew Attard, Rita Mawuena Benissan, and Maciej Kasperski — forming a remarkable collection of international and historical significance. Running alongside the main auction was Artis Arundo Spotlight, an online auction open to a broader audience via Polswiss Art Auction House’s platform. Bidders could acquire works by outstanding, socially engaged artists such as Aleksandra Liput, Jakub Słomkowski, Helena Stiasny, Courage Hunke, and Mariusz Szypura.
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