The annual art exhibition marks a milestone …
Since it was founded ten years ago, the annual online art sale Incognito has been a much-loved addition to the Irish artistic calendar. It combines the thrill of a treasure hunt with the opportunity to raise funds for Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, which delivers vital in-home nursing and respite care for families across the country.
The identities of the participating artists remain top secret until the auction is completed. In the past, celebrities who have participated include Bruce Springsteen, Bob Geldof, Bono, The Edge, Ronnie Wood, Philip Treacy and the late Paul Costelloe, alongside established artists such as Tracey Emin, Helen Steele, Ruthie Ashenhurst and Robert Ballagh.
The late Paul Costelloe’s artwork, Incognito, 2025
Curator Lucinda Hall recalls how the novel art sale came about: “It was actually my hairdresser who told me about the mystery art sale concept that he had come across in London. I was having dinner one evening with Jonathan Irwin, my friend and Jack & Jill Founder – he was always on the lookout for new and innovative fundraising ideas. The rest, as they say, is history. It’s been great to unearth so much talent over the years, particularly from people the public would never have come to know otherwise.”
Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan’s artwork, Incognito, 2025
In the decade since the sale was first inaugurated, a total of €1.4m has been raised. This translates into 80,000 hours of home nursing and respite care, supporting families caring for children with complex medical needs in communities across Ireland. The service offers up to 100 hours of care a month to each family and operates seven days a week with no means test, no red tape and no waiting list.
Singer-songwriter Roisin Murphy’s artwork, Incognito, 2025
Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation CEO Deirdre Walshsays that its impact can’t be underestimated. “Last year, for the first time we introduced a counselling service for all families providing additional support. Artists tell me that it’s a real badge of honour to see their art showcased as part of the collection. For art buyers, there’s the thrill of the unknown in making a purchase and the anticipation, drama and surprise of the artist reveal. Ultimately, what both artist and art buyer delight in is what their support means for parents – time for much-needed sleep, time for coffee with a friend, or perhaps time to take a sibling to see a movie or go to a match. We’re so grateful to the artists for giving and to the public for buying as the gift of time makes a significant difference for families.”
Artist Maser’s artwork, Incognito, 2024
Currently on view, this year’s sale on May 20 includes over 2,000 postcard-size artworks in a newly-enlarged 6 x 8-inch size, with each work priced at €75.
