The #OpenSoon campaign will see 50+ pieces of original vagina art auctioned to raise money as the museum re-opens
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS
We’re not sure about you, but there’s been a vulva shaped whole in our hearts since The Vagina Museum had to unfortunately close earlier this year due to COVID-19.
The opening of the world’s first bricks and mortar museum of the gynaecological anatomy was certainly one of the best things to happen so far in 2020 and we are thrilled to hear they are back in business. Today, they launch their Open Soon campaign, whereby they are not only announcing their fast approaching re-opening date coming 3 October, but also raising much-needed funds in the process through an online auction.
In a drive to keep the Vagina Museum open and keep it spreading knowledge, empowering women and people with vulvas, and raising awareness of social justice and public health – three Advertising Creatives (Nathalie Gordon, Amy Fasey, Jacob Hellström) approached Director Florence Schechter in May, offering their help for free.
Together, they reached out to artists of all different genders, sexualities, nationalities and disciplines to ask if they would create a piece of original art for the museum to be sold with all proceeds helping to keep it open.
Creative Director Nathalie Gordon commented: “Businesses have been pounded during COVID and no more so than the arts sector. Having inclusive spaces like the Vagina Museum where people of all walks of life can come and learn about everything from FGM to the basic science of the vagina, whilst also having access to evening events about sex positivity and safe and inclusive community outreach programmes – these are all things we cannot afford to lose. And we will if the Museum continues to lose money.”
From embroidered textile banners from Millie Sewell-Knight to line drawing of public hair from Mr. Bingo to gold leaf covered clay casts of the clitoris from Merissa Hylton to a queer self-portrait from Ezra Smith, the breath of original pieces available is truly unique.
The auction will run for the next two weeks up until doors reopen on 3 October, selling each piece as a 1/1 unless otherwise stated. Due to COVID, the auction will be online only and to democratise the process and give everyone the opportunity to own a piece of world-class art, the Museum has decided to host the auction as silent, whereby anyone can make an offer on a piece (over the reserve) and the best offer will win.
The auction will be hosted online at www.vaginamuseum.co.uk/opensoon and all bids can be made by emailing opensoon@vaginamuseum.com and quoting the name of the piece.
In a bid to shout about those who have kindly donated their time and talents to the museum, and also drive as much interest in the auction as possible, every day in the two week run up to reopening, each piece will be celebrated and shared on the Vagina Museum social channels.
