More than 200 Irish artists and well-known names from music, film and the arts are coming together for a major charity auction in support of Dublin Simon Community this Christmas.
Bono, The Corrs, Imelda May, Aidan Gillen and Guggi are among those donating signed items and memorabilia to A Community of Hope: Artists for Dublin Simon 2026, an annual charity auction raising funds for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Now in its fourth year, the event will feature original artwork from some of Ireland's leading visual artists, including Gerard Byrne, Paul Hughes, Jane Belton, Jess Kelly and Solus.
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The collection has been brought together by Dublin artist and curator John O'Donnell, who established the initiative to support Dublin Simon Community's work.
Alongside the artwork, visitors and bidders will have the opportunity to get their hands on unique items donated by Irish music and entertainment figures, including Camille O'Sullivan, Éanna Hardwicke and Liam Ó Maonlaí.
A selection of the pieces will be exhibited at FLUX Studios, 4 Chatham Row in Dublin 2, from Saturday, November 28 until Wednesday, December 2.
Online bidding will open through Gormleys on November 28 and run until Wednesday, December 9.
John O'Donnell said he was delighted to once again receive support from across Ireland's creative community, but warned that the situation facing people experiencing homelessness had deteriorated since he first launched the auction.
He said: "With thousands experiencing the injustice of homelessness, it is now more important than ever that we do what we can to help people emerge from it. Please consider bidding on some of the fantastic items on offer. Your support can really make a difference."
Artist Gerard Byrne is also contributing to the auction. He said: "Being a Dubliner myself, I'm especially pleased to support Dublin Simon Community. If one of my paintings can help make a difference to someone experiencing homelessness, then I can't think of a better reason to give it away."
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According to the latest figures from the Department of Housing, 17,885 people are currently living in homeless accommodation across Ireland, including 12,429 in Dublin.
Money raised through the auction will go directly towards Dublin Simon Community's services, which include outreach, emergency accommodation, treatment and recovery, housing and tenancy support.
Eamon Sharkey, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Dublin Simon Community, said the organisation had been overwhelmed by the support from Irish creatives.
He added that the funds raised would help support its services and change lives this Christmas.
A Community of Hope: Artists for Dublin Simon 2026 runs from November 28 to December 9, with the exhibition at FLUX Studios in Dublin 2 from November 28 to December 2.
