Honouring Harry
Kerr
14.05.25
Charity Art Auction
aims to raise €20K for emerging talent
ARTLINK is 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
from 7pm to10pm on Saturday 17th May, at Fort Dunree.
Harry Kerr 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. |
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Harry Kerr with his 5" x
4" field camera, Arizona 1992. |
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,
said: “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.” |
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Harry pictured with Martha
at Linsfort, Buncrana, shortly before his passing in
2022. |
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
• 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.
Beyond his artistic contributions, Harry was known for
his walks along local beaches and parks with the
couple’s Dalmatians. His connection with the community
was profound, and his passing in 2022 led to tributes
from colleagues, students, and friends worldwide.
Artlink project 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.”
For more information, or to participate in the Charity
Art Auction, contact
info@artlink.ie . |
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Update
20/05/2025 - Charity Art Auction Bidding Extended |
Artlink wishes to thank
everyone who attended the Charity Art Auction at Fort
Dunree on May 17th. The event has raised €6,505, so far,
for the Harry Kerr Photography Bursary.
Missed the event? There’s still time to support!
Remaining artworks are now available in a silent auction
open until June 15th.
• For more info and to make an offer visit
www.artlink.ie |
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