Transformer’s Victoria Reis Sneak Peeks the Non-Profit’s Biggest Art Party of the Year
Supporting the local and international art scene can be as easy as partying all night if you’re an attendee at Transformer’s Annual Silent Auction and Benefit Party.
Each year, the art non-profit Transformer raises money to support leaders in the contemporary art scene, both locally and internationally, according to co-founder, executive and artistic director Victoria Reis.
This year the organization plays on German themes featuring collaborations with German artists, the German Embassy and the German language and cultural institute, the Goethe-Institut. German ambassador H.E. Emily Haber will serve as diplomatic chair.
In anticipation of the auction and party this weekend, we chatted with Reis via email to find out more about how Transformer supports local artists and what attendees can expect from the art party of the year.
The interview below has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Katie Malone: Tell me more about the mission of the auction. Why is supporting independent artists so important to the D.C. art scene?
Victoria Reis: Our Annual Auction helps support the mission of Transformer as a non-profit visual arts organization that connects and promotes emerging artists locally, nationally and internationally, through a growing network of collaborators and an exciting and diverse range of comprehensive program partnerships, developing extensive creative and professional opportunities for hundreds of emerging artists.
Through the support of our host committee of individual donors, our sponsors, and the participating artists, Transformer’s Annual Auction raises funds to match grants we receive throughout the year to accomplish our work: cultivating relationships to advance artists in the production and presentation of experimental concepts through a multitude of unique exhibitions and programs; growing substantial audiences and supporters for their work, encouraging artists in their experimentation with ideas, process, and presentation; providing W.A.G.E certified levels of honoraria, material, and travel funding and on-going professional development resources.
These artists and their work are fundamental to our humanity. They inspire us — fostering creativity, helping us express our values, and building bridges between cultures. Artists help strengthen communities socially, educationally, and economically.
KM: Any standout anecdotes from past years that you want to share?
VR: Too many to write down here; some not fit for print. I will say that Transformer’s auctions have been cited as being a conduit for achieving long-term love connections as well as for purchasing great artworks. We also have GREAT dance parties! The best!
KM: Beyond the auction, in what ways can we support these artists all year round? Are there any resources or actions you recommend?
VR: YES! Continue to buy artists’ work beyond the auction! Our FlatFile program is one way.Be an active and engaged part of the arts community. Get to know the range of galleries and other organizations that work with and support artists and their work. Attend art events. Check out the Gallery Courtesies in our Auction catalogue.
KM: What qualities about the local art scene makes it uniquely D.C.? How is that reflected in the Transformer Auction and Party?
VR: Transformer is embraced by an incredible community of supporters in D.C., as well as a growing family of artists, art spaces, curators and cultural organizers globally who we work with to help propel artists in their creative and professional careers. D.C.’s position as the nation’s capitol is something that Transformer has always embraced — providing consistent, supportive and comprehensive platforms for both D.C. emerging artists and their national and international artist peers to develop and present innovative arts activities.
Transformer serves as a catalyst and advocate for emergent expression in the visual arts, connecting and promoting emerging artist leaders with vital resources to elevate them and their work. Transformer is honored to continue stimulating and impacting the cultural landscape of D.C. through our progressive support of artists, and through our distinctive institutional and educational partnerships.
The artists who participate in our Auction support our mission — many of them have also been directly supported by our mission.
KM: What’s the theme of the event this year?
VR: Wunderbar Together! is a theme that Transformer has had the great pleasure of taking part in this year via artistic and cultural collaboration with German artists, the German Embassy, and the Goethe-Institut of Washington, D.C.. It also expresses the great coming together of artists, curators, collectors, art lovers and arts donors that Transformer has the joy of cultivating through our on- going programming, and through our Auction.
KM: How is the Transformer Auction and Party directly supporting local, independent artists?
VR: Transformer includes work in our Auction at a 50/50 sales split with the participating artists. More than 175 D.C. based artists have work in the auction. An additional 20+ D.C. based artists are performing at the auction and are helping produce the event, with Transformer providing equitable honoraria. All participating artists are provided a complimentary ticket to participate in all aspects of the auction, from the VIP reception to the auction party, to the after party at The Line D.C..
KM: Can you tell me about an artist or group or artists that your organization has been able to uplift through this event?
VR: Over the past 15 years, our auction has provided funds that have helped Transformer to exhibit the work of 3500+ exceptional emerging artists, through more than 250 exhibitions and programs at our 1404 P Street NW project space, and through large-scale, off-site collaborations with more than 50 cultural institutions in D.C. and abroad. Transformer has generated over $1 MILLION in art sales for artists from our annual auctions and our exhibitions.
Transformer is currently presenting NORMCORE by Sascha Appelhoff and Lena von Geodeke at their 1404 P Street NW exhibition space on view until November 16.
