On December 2, 2025, the third Christmas charity auction of the Universal Reading Foundation took place at the Palace of the Republic under the slogan Art Against Exclusion.
Creation, creation, creativity, exploration – this is the essence of humanity. In a world dominated by artificial intelligence, human creations take on even greater value,
Not machines. Because art has power. It sensitizes us, teaches us, moves us, helps us understand others and ourselves, builds our self-confidence and agency: it enables us to engage in debate, participate, and think autonomously. All of this is fundamentally important, especially today, as we seek tools to build individual and social resilience and the security that comes with it.
Art, like reading, is a key factor in the development and success of every modern person. These two themes have been successfully combined once again. Art doesn't exclude, but a lack of contact with it does. The Universal Reading Foundation's goal is to support access to books and promote reading to equalize opportunities for all citizens and build a better future for them.
The auction proceeds will go towards books for children in community centers and social welfare centers. We thank all auction participants for their participation. We congratulate and envy the winners!
The auction in the beautiful interior of the Palace of the Commonwealth was led by the irreplaceable Andrzej Slaski,
Maja Meissner, co-organizer of the auction, delivered an inspiring introduction. Guests were welcomed by Maria Deskur, president of the FPC, and Tomasz Makowski, director of the National Library.
This year, works by wonderful artists were auctioned:
Marta Bożyk, "Fuji II" Linocut
Joanna Gniady, "Tacones lejanos" Giclée
Edward Hartwig, photographs "Untitled", "From the Backstage. The Warsaw Opera"„
Joanna Helander, photograph "Candy Factory"„
Klára Herczeg, "Reading" matte porcelain sculpture
Beata Hutten-Czapska, "Blue monkey", bronze
Anna Kopeć-Gibas, "Christmas of the Covenant" icon (100% from the auction is donated to the Ukrainian Action KIK, which works for Polish-Ukrainian understanding)
Konrad Kucza-Kuczyński, "Kazimierz Wisła + Miasteczko" Drawing
Rafał Olbiński, "The Shape of Sound" Inkography
Łukasz Olek, "Fractured Minds"„
Błażej Ostoja Lniski, "Monsters of Greek Mythology" Screenprint
Konrad Pollesch, Portrait of Wisława Szymborska Photography
Elżbieta Radziwiłł, "Spring Deer" Gouache and acrylic on canvas
Sławomir Ratajski, "For the Writer" Oil on canvas
Joanna Rusinek, "Dog" Gouache on paper
Alan Schaller, photography "Parisien Morning"„
Agnieszka Śniadewicz-Świca, "Minimal Empire"„
Kamil Targosz, "Effort" Linocut
Albert Tison, "Cold Ground" Acrylic on canvas
Elżbieta Wasiuczyńska, "Mr. Kuleczka" Gouache
Joanna Wiszniewska-Domańska, graphic "Library of Organized Memories"„
Jacek Yerka, "Roadside Cupboard" Giclée
Włodzimierz Jan Zakrzewski, Untitled Drawing
Special gifts for the auction were also donated by members of the Literary Union: Tomasz Bonek, Jacek Dehnel, Marta Grzywacz, Mariusz Koperski, Aleksandra Kozłowska, Joanna Kuciel-Frydryszak, Agnieszka Mielech, Aneta Prymaka-Oniszk, Marta Sawicka-Danielak (the funds from the auction are transferred in 100% to the SUL aid fund)
In addition, Conti Capponi wine, Rémy Martin Coupe 300 cognac and dinner prepared by Maja Meissner and Marynia Deskur were auctioned.
We would like to thank the artists who donated their works, as well as Tessa Capponi-Borawska for the wine, Dr. Tomasz Makowski for providing the palace, Andrzej Slaski for hosting the auction, Maja Meissner for co-organizing it, Beata Sokół for catering support, Green Caffè Nero cafes for the cakes, Mateusz Biegaj for Remy Martin spirits, the Pure Water brand for Celestynka water, Wojciech Grąbczewski (Grąbczewscy) and Małgorzata Galińska (Kwiaciarenka) for the greenery, Dorota Bieniek and the LoveBrands Group team for communication assistance, and Łukasz Wąwoźny for printing the catalogue.
We encourage everyone who was unable to attend the event to support our activities by donating to our Christmas fundraiser for books for children in need: https://pomagam.pl/podaruj-ksiazke
