Animation Community, Sotheby’s Announce Fundraising Auction

AnimAID, a fundraising campaign aimed at supporting members of the animation community affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, has announced the launch of an online auction in partnership with Sotheby’s. This auction will feature a collection of rare and unique pieces of animation history, including original drawings, paintings, animation cels, and maquette figures from beloved animated films and series such as “Snow White,” “The Simpsons,” “Inside Out,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “The Wild Robot,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” These items have been generously donated by renowned studios like The Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, and Paramount.

One of the highlights of the Art of Animation auction is the inclusion of exclusive experiences, such as the chance to voice a minor character in Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming theatrical feature “Goat” or receive a custom character design and original drawing by Nico Marlet, the talented character designer behind hits like “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Kung Fu Panda.” Additionally, the auction will offer tours of top animation studios like Disney, Sony, DreamWorks, and Lucasfilm, as well as a special Peanuts experience featuring a director’s tour of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Schulz’s private studio.

AnimAID was established by ASIFA-Hollywood, the animated film society responsible for the prestigious Annie Awards, in collaboration with various industry talents and studios. The auction will showcase a range of coveted items, including a black-and-white story sketch from “Tortoise and the Hare,” 3D-printed Pinocchio faces used in the creation of “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” and a color pencil drawing of Woody and Buzz Lightyear to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” release. Estimates for these items vary from $500 to over $25,000.

Interested buyers and animation enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view many of these exquisite pieces at Sotheby’s New York galleries from April 11th to 15th, with the online auction set to take place from April 23rd to 30th.

Aubry Mintz, the executive director of AnimAID and ASIFA-Hollywood, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the animation community, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion in times of crisis. Mintz stated, “As we navigate the aftermath of the wildfires, this initiative not only provides essential relief but also pays tribute to the talented artists and professionals who have made significant contributions to the world of animation. We are incredibly thankful for the generous support from our partners and excited to share these iconic pieces of animation history with the public.”

The Art of Animation auction promises to be a memorable event, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of animation history while supporting a worthy cause. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting fundraising campaign.