Rakvere gallery holds auction to keep its doors open

Rakvere Gallery is holding an auction to raise money for its operating costs, with nearly 100 works donated by artists from Lääne-Viru County, ERR reports.

The gallery, led by Raivo Riim and Riho Hütt, has operated for nearly 30 years. It is currently based in rented premises on Pikk Street, in the headquarters of the Viru unit of the Estonian Defence League. Funds are needed for rent, utilities and the salary of a gallery attendant.

Inspired by a successful auction held to address financial difficulties at the Estonian Artists’ Association, the gallery decided to try the same approach. Thirty-six artists contributed works. The auction is being run as an exhibition sale, not online, and the gallery has no promotional videos. Visitors can offer more than the listed starting price for works they like.

“Rakvere Gallery is a social gallery. The issues of the day, in Estonia, the world and Rakvere, matter to us,” Hütt said, adding that the gallery’s group and portrait exhibitions, themes and participating artists reflect what is happening around them.

Artist Margus Bamberg, who donated three works, said the gallery was important to artists in the county. It has become a place where people meet, including when new exhibitions open, he said.

The auction exhibition will remain open at Rakvere Gallery until the end of October.