Honouring the late Harry Kerr: Charity art auction aims to raise €20K
'This auction is a celebration of his life and a way for the creative community to ensure his passion continues to inspire and support others'
Artlink says it’s pleased to announce a special evening of art, music and community spirit, as it hosts a charity art auction in memory of the late photographer Harry Kerr.
A native of Scotland, Harry had lived in Buncrana for many years and passed away from illness in May 2022. Artlink says he was “a dear friend and creative collaborator”.
The charity auction, which will take place on Saturday 17th May at Fort Dunree, has a target of €20,000.
Harry was a gifted artist and tireless champion of emerging photographers. In May 2024, on the second anniversary of his passing, Artlink launched the Harry Kerr Photography Bursary, an annual award supporting early-career photographers in developing new work. The bursary honours Harry’s creative legacy and his deep belief in nurturing future generations of artists.
The first bursary recipient, Danielle Macleod, an emerging photographer from the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, used the award to create a compelling new body of work, which will be exhibited this June at Grinneabhat in Bragar, Lewis.
To ensure the bursary can continue through 2029, Artlink aims to raise €20,000 through this auction. Every artwork – including photography, painting, print, and sculpture – has been generously donated by Harry’s friends, colleagues, and peers. Each purchase will directly fund four annual €5,000 bursaries, empowering the next generation of creative talent.
Harry Kerr’s life and work partner, Martha McCulloch, explained: “We created the bursary to carry Harry’s legacy forward. This auction is a celebration of his life and a way for the creative community to ensure his passion continues to inspire and support others.”
The evening promises to be a true celebration of Harry’s life and legacy, featuring: live auction hosted by the charismatic Tommy McCardle; live music from talented local artist Lydia Jackson; with delicious food, great company and plenty of craic.
Bidding available in-person and online, with a full auction catalogue to be released soon.
Born in Coatbridge, Scotland, in 1960, Harry Kerr left a lasting impact on the local arts scene and wider community, making Donegal his home over 20 years ago. A well-known figure in Inishowen and beyond, Harry and Martha founded ‘The Memory Factory’, where they documented significant moments in the lives of many locals over the past two decades.
In addition to his work at The Memory Factory, Harry was deeply involved in the local arts scene, collaborating with Artlink on web design, promotional materials, and event photography. He also played a pivotal role in creating the Laurentic memorial at Fort Dunree, commemorating lives lost in World War I. In later years, Harry shifted his focus to documentary filmmaking.
Artlink coordinator Rebecca Strain said: “On a daily basis, Harry pushed the team at Artlink to achieve great things and to see the innate beauty in all of our endeavours. This auction is a chance for photographers, artists, friends, and anyone whose life Harry touched to gather, raise a glass, and celebrate his remarkable legacy.”
Martha McCulloch added: “I have no doubt that this charity art auction will be a truly heartfelt gathering, reflecting on memories and celebrating Harry – a generous, self-effacing, and endlessly creative man who remained a wide-eyed dreamer at heart. The event is open to all. Come raise a glass, place a bid, and help us continue the work he believed in so passionately.”