UJ Library auction hotting up

On 22 August 2016, the University of Johannesburg launched Seats of Knowledge, an auction of furniture and fine arts that’s raising funds for the new university’s library. The launch took place in the library itself, and attracted an incredible cross section of South Africans to bid on artworks, listen to music, eat delicious food and network until late in the night.

CN&CO’s Carel Nolte was the MC for the evening, and shared that his love of books and learning – as well as the arts – was what convinced him to contribute his time to this worthy cause. CN&CO also brought along a number of guests on the evening, including journalist-adventurer Denis Beckett. Here’s what he had to say in The Star newspaper this morning:

(or download the PFD here)

The event itself raised more than R700 000, and the auction is still open.

“Having Denis and other CN&CO friends and associates at the event added huge value for us and for UJ,” says Carel. “Not only did they get a bit of coverage in the press, but our guests were very active bidders on the night, which added tens of thousands of rands to the final total that they brought in.

“CN&CO also benefited through our exposure to the amazing people who were there on the night, and all the incredible artworks that are up for auction.”

But our work is not over yet.

“There is still time to bid on dozens of pieces on the Seats of Knowledge website,” says Carel. “Many of the works are by pupils at the National School of the Arts – and you never know who the big names will be coming out of that generation!”