Art of Discovery Auction | Avis Car Rental

Leading car rental provider Avis Australia raised over $15,000 at a charity auction last night for its mental health charity partner R U OK? The event saw Avis Australia auction off the artwork from its ‘Art of Discovery’ campaign, heroing creative work from six local artists who this year embarked on road trips in Avis rentals across the Tasman, to inspire their artwork.

The auctioned pieces included Jacob Spokes’ take on Lightning Ridge in north-western New South Wales where he retraced his father’s footsteps as a miner, and Brock Q Piper’s vivid depiction of the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Other art featured included work by Sally Willbanks and Belynda Henry, both Australia-based and New Zealand artists Angela Maritz and Kris Waldin. The highest selling piece on the night was Lake Pukaki with Aoraki/Mt Cook in the distance by New Zealand artist, Holly Zanbergen selling at $2,700.

To inspire and encourage travellers to plan their own road trip to view the scenic Australian and New Zealand landscape, the ‘Art of Discovery’ campaign allows customers to see the countries through the eyes of local contemporary artists. 

Tom Mooney, Managing Director, Avis Australia said: “We are thrilled with the overall success of the night and the money raised for R U OK? We look forward to working with more artists through our ‘Art of Discovery’ campaign over the next year to show the true beauty of the Australian and New Zealand landscape, and inspire more road trips around Australia.”

Brock Q Piper, one of the Australian artists involved in the campaign said: “It was such an honour to be a part of this very worthy campaign and work alongside Avis to create art that connects people with the Australian landscape. I’m personally so inspired by the work that R U OK? does to help so many in their personal struggles, so I am really pleased that the proceeds towards my work are going towards such a great cause.”

The donation from Avis Australia demonstrates its commitment to its charity partnership with R U OK? and will add to other contributions fundraised via a range of community charity initiatives.

To watch Jacob Spokes on his ‘Art of Discovery’ journey, please click here.