LONDON.- Based on an original idea by renowned French intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy and produced by the Franco-British think tank The Hexagon Society, ​United Artists for Europe will demonstrate artists’ devotion to European ideals, values and culture, with all committed artists signing a manifesto written by Lévy.

Over 30 artworks by leading contemporary artists will be exhibited at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Ely House from 21-23 May and then auctioned at Maison Assouline on June 3, in aid of projects that support an undivided Europe. The initiative is timed to coincide with the European elections, and invites the public to consider Europe as one democratic whole.

On the evening of 22 May, Bernard-Henri Lévy will perform his new one-man play, ​Looking for Europe, adapted specifically to address the European Elections and London. Staged at Ely House, Bernard-Henri Lévy will be surrounded by the exhibition of works, providing a unique backdrop for the public to see. This will be preceded by a conversation between Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine Galleries, and novelist Adam Thirlwell about literature as a multilingual art form, créolisation, portable Europes, and the construction of multiple identities.

During the exhibition, artists, thinkers and actors will create a forum for debate and discussion on the state of Europe today, and the place of art and culture within this context. These open discussions will take place on Thursday 23rd May at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac.

The public exhibition and auction is an opportunity to buy art by international artists who practice in Europe such as Grayson Perry and Marina Abramović, whilst benefiting European cultural initiatives.The auction will be led by celebrated auctioneer Simon de Pury at Maison Assouline. Funds raised will benefit European cultural projects including Europa Nostra, the main European NGO defending and enhancing Europe’s cultural heritage, and Artagon, who support the careers of young emerging artists, exhibiting their work in venues throughout Europe.

Committed artists to date: Adel Abdessemed, Marina Abramović, Claire Adelfang, Jean-Marie Appriou, Ron Arad, Daniel Buren, Shezad Dawood, Richard Deacon, Marlene Dumas, Valie Export, Elmgreen & Dragset, Jan Fabre, Sylvie Fleury, Douglas Gordon, Morgane Tschiember, Julio Le Parc, Ross Lovegrove, Yan Pei-Ming, Giuseppe Penone, Grayson Perry, Marc Quinn, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Juergen Teller, Luc Tuymans, Xavier Veilhan, Bernar Venet, Francesco Vezzoli, Erwin Wurm