Artlink is delighted to share that the Charity Art Auction held on Saturday, May 17th, at Fort Dunree was a resounding success – an unforgettable evening filled with art, music, and heartfelt community spirit, all in memory of the late photographer and friend, Harry Kerr.
The event brought together a vibrant gathering of friends, artists, and supporters, united in celebrating Harry’s life and creative legacy. The evening was both a tribute and a call to action – raising vital funds for the Harry Kerr Photography Bursary, an annual award supporting early-career photographers, launched by Artlink in May 2024 to mark the second anniversary of Harry’s passing.
Guests enjoyed a lively and warm atmosphere featuring: a spirited live auction hosted by the ever-charismatic Tommy McCardle; soulful live music from local singer-songwriter Lydia Jackson; Delicious food, shared memories, and plenty of craic, A diverse selection of artworks – photography, painting, print, and sculpture – all generously donated by Harry’s friends and creative peers
The auction raised €6,505, crucial funds toward Artlink’s goal of €20,000, which will sustain the bursary through 2029. Each purchase directly contributes to four annual €5,000 bursaries, helping empower the next generation of photographic talent.
The first bursary recipient, Danielle Macleod, an emerging photographer from the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, used the support to create a compelling new body of work, which was exhibited in June 2025 at Grinneabhat in Bragar, Lewis.
Artlink extends it’s heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, attended, bid (in person and online), and helped make this such a special event. The evening was a moving tribute to Harry. Thank you for helping us celebrate Harry’s memory and continue the work he believed in so passionately.
Still Time to Bid!
With so many generous donations, we couldn’t auction everything in one evening – so we’ve launched a Silent Online Auction, open until Harry’s birthday on December 2nd, 2025. You can still support the bursary and take home a beautiful piece of art. You may make a bid using the online form.
How to bid online:
- Have a look at the catalogue (and maybe the information document too)
- Select this lot number from the drop down list on the link below
- Make a bid
- Whoever makes the earliest and highest bid [and meets the reserve price] by 2nd December will win the lot.
Images by Jacqui Devenney-Reed
