Imagine laying awake in bed at night, sick to your stomach with fear and anxiety

Fearful and anxious about going to school the next day. Imagine being terrified to leave the house because you know that each day you will suffer aggression, violence and abuse from people who sit next to you in class as you try in vain to concentrate and do the very best you can. They push you around, steal your mobile, spit and scream abuse, divide you from your friends and leave you isolated, lonely and with nobody to turn to. This is the average day in a life for the hundreds of thousands of young people who are being bullied. Now imagine you are 10.

74 of Britain’s most exciting contemporary artists have come together to send an incredible gesture of support and solidarity to these young people. They give their talent, passion and their sense of social justice freely and are saying to young people that they are not alone. The best of British Art will together raise vital cash to ensure children and young people get the help and support they need. We, at Beatbullying, are truly honoured by their contribution.

The Beatbullying Art Auction is the culmination of an audacious plan hatched by myself and the incredible, the fabulous Janette Parris. Together we thought, "I know, let’s get the best of Britain’s artists to donate a brilliant piece each! Let's auction them in the splendid but unexpected Drapers' Hall! Let’s cram the Exposure Gallery with the work! Let’s set up BBArt masterclasses led by some of the most prodigious creative talent in this country to young people, many of whom have never stepped inside a gallery! Let’s use the money raised to launch BBArt and deliver it to schools across the UK!"

With Janette’s immense skill, talent, passion, and generosity (not to mention the contents of her little black book) and Richard B’s ambition and leadership, nine months later we are here…and what a wild ride it has been.

We hope that with your help we will raise thousands of pounds. So imagine again you are 10 - but now you are less fearful, not skipping school, have confidence in class again, achieving better grades and are not so hurt that you have forgotten how to smile. As you bid, you help liberate another young person from fear.

Thank you - we hope you enjoy the auction.

Emma-Jane Cross, CEO, Beatbullying