Christie's Frieze Week auction partners with GCC
Christie's is relaunching its Artists for Climate Action auction during Frieze Week, with proceeds from donated works by Igshaan Adams and Patricia Leite
Christie's is partnering with climate charities Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) and ClientEarth for a Frieze Week auction to fund environmental action. The house will host its 20th/21st Century Evening Sale in London on October 14 and 15, with proceeds from specific donated works split between the two organizations. Heath Lowndes, a director at GCC, confirmed the arrangement. "The proceeds from the auction sales will be split between GCC and ClientEarth," Lowndes said. The initiative, called Artists for Climate Action, is a collaborative fundraising effort from the two charities.
Fifty percent of the hammer price for these dedicated lots will benefit ClientEarth. The other fifty percent will go to the Gallery Climate Coalition.
Artworks and estimates
Artists Igshaan Adams and Patricia Leite have donated new works created in 2026 to the sale. Their estimates reflect their growing prominence in the contemporary art market.
| Artist | Artwork | Medium | Estimate (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Igshaan Adams | The certainty of being a rose (ii) (2026) | beads, thread and textile sculpture | £60,000-£80,000 |
| Patricia Leite | Brilhante (2026) | painting of a navy sky with moon and green landscape | £20,000-£30,000 |
How funds will be used
The auction aims to reduce the art world's carbon footprint across areas like logistics, travel, and waste. Funds directed to GCC will support free access to practical tools and new research. "That means keeping our tools and resources free to access, including our Carbon Calculator and sector-specific guidance," Lowndes explained. A particular project focuses on helping cultural organizations transition to cleaner energy systems.
Money channeled to ClientEarth will support strategic legal action. This work challenges pollution and corporate greenwashing. It also aims to protect ecosystems and strengthen environmental laws.
Broader initiative and context
Artists for Climate Action is in its second edition, having started in 2021. The model is deliberately flexible. While auctions are one route, plans exist to expand into private sales, events, and other collaborations. The ambition is to build momentum within the art community, not only create a single moment. GCC, founded in 2020, now represents a network of over 25,000 arts professionals from more than 2,250 organizations across 65 countries.
Christie's launched its own sustainability strategy in March 2021. It committed to reducing carbon emissions by fifty percent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. The auction partnership aligns with its goal of collaborating with external partners on climate-focused initiatives. The works by Adams and Leite will be on public view from 8 October 2026. They will be part of the free 20/21 Marquee Week exhibition at Christie's London ahead of the sale.
