Art lovers hoping to spot the next big name placed their bids as the University of East London’s (UEL) annual student-led charity art auction returned with a sell-out 2026 edition.
The event, known as Ork-shun and held at UEL’s Docklands campus, raised £8,000 through the sale of 145 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, photography and digital media.
Of the funds raised, £1,000 was donated to the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity focused on preventing knife crime, while the remainder will go toward supporting student projects and creative activities at the university.
Organised entirely by Level 5 visual arts students, the auction forms an assessed professional activity, with students managing everything from artwork sourcing to marketing and sales.
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Dr Keith Winter, associate professor in architecture and visual art at UEL, said: "What makes this event so special is the combination of creativity and real-world experience. Our students aren’t just making work - they’re learning how to present it, sell it and connect with audiences.
"To see such strong public engagement and a complete sell-out is a fantastic achievement."
Julian Alexander, filmmaker and UEL senior lecturer, served as auctioneer for the night.
A new collectors’ private viewing was introduced for 2026, allowing returning buyers to reserve pieces ahead of the public auction.
Professor David Tann, vice-provost (Technology) and executive dean of the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, said: "Ork-Shun exemplifies the kind of practice-led learning we champion at UEL. It equips our students with the professional skills, confidence and commercial awareness needed to succeed as practising artists.
"The standard of work this year has been outstanding, matched by the professionalism with which our students have delivered every aspect of the event."
The auction attracted first-time buyers, seasoned collectors and local residents.
Level 5 fine art student Emanuela Graziano said: "Ork-Shun gives you a real sense of what it takes to bring art into the world - it’s fast-paced, collaborative and incredibly rewarding to see every piece find a home. It’s been a great experience, with plenty of challenges along the way, and I was really excited to see how much my own work sold for."
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