This summer, art world A-listers will take part in the second, annual ‘Art on the Mind’ exhibition and auction, in aid of UK homeless charity Cardboard Citizens.

Sir Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Charlie Calder-Potts, Charming Baker, Harland Miller, and Ian Davenport are amongst the group whose work will be brought together in the online auction run by Paddle 8, and a free, week-long exhibition in London.

The charity hopes the event will raise awareness of its work, and proceeds will be invested directly into its programme of workshops focusing on education, skill development and creative expression, and information, advice and guidance for those currently experiencing homelessness. “When I was contacted by Cardboard Citizens about donating a piece of work, I knew I wanted to be involved in the project right away. I have become more aware the increasing number of homeless people in the UK, and Art on the Mind is an important event that will help with the mental health issues raised by this awful situation. Anything that can be done to provide support to enable people to move away from homelessness is a very positive step.” Ian Davenport, contributing artist.

For 28 years, the charity has used the arts to help people with experience of homelessness in London and nationwide. From those exposed and living on the street to those less visible, but still very vulnerable, individuals and families living in insecure and temporary accommodation, numbers continue to rise. At least 320,000 people are homeless in Britain – a year-on year increase of four percent since 2017 - and figures in London have skyrocketed, with Newham ranked as England’s number one homelessness hotspot, and at least one in every 24 people in the borough in housing insecurity. Funds raised from Art on the Mind will also support a number of projects specifically targeting East London.

Our year-round workshop programme brings together people experiencing homelessness and housing instability to participate in the performing arts to be part of a supportive community, with opportunities for personal development, self-expression and professional training. With ever-greater need in the UK, we're delighted that the visual artists that have so generously donated to this exhibition and auction have felt a sense of solidarity with our work and our Members. This year's Art on the Mind celebrates that solidarity through an eclectic and fascinating collection of pieces. We invite viewers and bidders to be part of our community, changing lives, together.

(Adrian Jackson MBE, Founder of Cardboard Citizens)

I have been Cardboard Citizens’ patron for more than 10 years and in that time I have witnessed the life-changing work they do with homeless people in London and across the country. The inaugural Art on the Mind was a huge success, helping the charity to carry out their vital work. Homelessness continues to grow, so I hope as many people as possible will support this year’s auction, which features a superb collection of artists, so Cardboard Citizens can continue that work.

(Kate Winslet, CBE, Patron of Cardboard Citizens)

As resources are increasingly stretched, Art on the Mind will play a vital part in supporting and expanding Cardboard Citizens’ much needed work, and will help champion the value of the arts as catalyst for change and personal growth.

Exhibiting artists; Abigail Bowen, Alan Fears, Alan Newnham, Andy Burgess, Andy Lovell, Angela Robinson, Ann Gardner, Ann-Marie James, Beatrice Brown, Carne Griffiths, Carrie Reichardt, Cathie Pilkington, Charlie Calder-Potts, Charlotte Keates, Charming Baker. Chris Levine, Chris Marshall, Christine Percy, Dan Pears, Dave Allen, Dean Hughes, Derrick Santini, Epoh Beech, George Percy, Gideon Rubin, Graeme Messer, Graham Swift, Harland Miller, Howard Tangye, Ian Davenport, Jack Milroy, Jeremy Deller, Julie Verhoeven, Kim Noble, Kristjana S Williams, Lisa Wright, Liz Harrison, Meredith Ostrom, Nick Gentry, Nick Walker, Patrick Hughes, Paul Bellingham, Pure Evil, Ray Richardson, Sir Anish Kapoor, Sir Antony Gormley, Stephen Buckley, Taina Pearson, Toni Cogdell, Trish Wylie, Victoria Topping, William Pye and Willy Russell.