U2’s The Edge, Bob Geldof, Tommy Tiernan create artwork in aid of Jack & Jill Children's Foundation

A host of creative stars have contributed artwork to a charity auction in aid of Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. The initiative is Ireland's largest art sale, and raises a huge amount annually.

U2’s The Edge, Bob Geldof, fashion designer Paul Costelloe and Tommy Tiernan are among those who have created works of art for the cause.

The sale also includes pieces from artists Adrian+Shane, Maser, Ed Miliano, Luke Reidy, Tracy Sheridan and Helen Steele. The 2021 collection features the work of illustrators and designers from not only Ireland, but 13 other countries around the world - from the USA to Sweden, South Africa to Australia.

Roughly 3,000 pieces of original art produced by over 1,200 artists will be available on the day of the sale, but the identity of the artists remains secret until the sale is finished.

Each €60 piece of art is postcard-sized and will provide four hours of specialist in-home nursing care to a sick child, according to the charity. About 374 children aged six and under avail of the service each year.

Carmel Doyle, CEO of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, said that Covid had greatly impacted on the charity’s ability to fundraise.

Carmel Doyle, chief executive of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, said:

“From a postcard from The Edge, to a postcard from Robert Ballagh, and the many other postcards in between, I’d like to pay tribute to the 1,200 artists who have given so generously of their time and talent to take part in this year’s Incognito during what has been an extremely difficult time for the arts world.

“My hope is that, in offering their beautiful art as a currency for care, we can also help shine a spotlight on their work and introduce new audiences to their genius," Doyle adds.

“Each year, Jack &; Jill has to raise over four4 million euro to continue doing what we do, supporting families to look after their sick children at home, where they belong. Less than 20% of our funding comes from Government, and, with Covid-19 continuing to restrict the public-facing fundraising that we would normally do, we are relying hugely on the generosity and support of the public for Incognito 2021."

The sale will go live at incognito.ie on Thursday, April 22nd from 10am, but the pieces can be viewed on the website in advance.

Can you spot the postcard from @U2's The Edge in this year's @JackandJillCF #Incognito21 art collection? Check out https://t.co/QahLlvxAtC for more info. pic.twitter.com/glpu7iy4A1

— The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation (@JackandJillCF) March 31, 2021