An art auction held virtually from Ho Chi Minh City has amassed over VND1.27 billion ($55,714), which will be put towards purchasing resuscitation beds of a local hospital.

The fundraiser was hosted by art researchers Ly Doi and Le Quang Dong Quan after the two heard about a shortage of resuscitation beds at Makeshift Hospital No. 5 in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City – a facility erected for the sole purpose of battling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

A painting by artist Luu Cong Nhan is auctioned at a fundraiser for Makeshift Hospital No.5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

After posting a call for donations on Facebook, Doi and Quan were contacted by over 80 artists and art collectors who contributed a combined 90 pieces for the charity auction, including works by major names in the local art scene such as Luu Cong Nhan, Nguyen Quoc Thai, Le Trieu Dien, Thanh Chuong, Pham An Hai, Dinh Quan, and Bui Tien Tuan.

“In the current context, all acts of help matter,” said Bui Quoc Chi, a well-known collector who donated five works from his assemblage to the charity auction.

“I’m delighted to help get medical amenities for the hospital.”

A painting by artist Le Trieu Dien is auctioned at a fundraiser for Makeshift Hospital No.5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

A painting by artist Pham An Hai is auctioned at a fundraiser for Makeshift Hospital No. 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Over four auction sessions held between August 20 and 23, the auction raised over VND1.27 billion, the entirety of which will be put towards purchasing 20 resuscitation beds, four ventilators, and 10 wheelchairs for Makeshift Hospital No. 5.

While that sum is less than the market value of the pieces, the artists and collectors who donated works did not seem to mind.

“It is understandable. We needed the financial support as soon as possible,” said Bui Tien Tuan.

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