When Art Served Peace: Sourcing Works for the Peace, Justice and Security Gala

The relationship between art and philanthropy has always fascinated me.

While we often encounter great works of art in museums, galleries and private collections, some of their most meaningful moments occur elsewhere—when they become catalysts for generosity, dialogue and social impact.

One such occasion was the inaugural Peace, Justice and Security Gala in The Hague.

Held at the Hilton The Hague, the evening brought together leaders from diplomacy, international law, philanthropy and culture in support of initiatives dedicated to peace, justice and global security. Among the guests was Sharon Stone, who served as Guest of Honour and auctioneer, helping raise funds through the sale of artworks donated for the event.

For me, the evening demonstrated how art can operate beyond galleries and museums—as a bridge between culture, philanthropy and public purpose.

Through ACC ART, I sourced artworks for the charity auction. Every charity auction depends on more than the quality of the works themselves. It requires selecting pieces that resonate emotionally with collectors while supporting a cause that extends far beyond the art market. In this context, art became more than something to admire; it became a vehicle for generosity.

The gala also brought together an extraordinary international group of people from the worlds of culture, diplomacy and humanitarian work. During the evening I had the opportunity to meet German actress Katja Riemann and Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, both of whom were supporting the event. Their presence reflected the international character of the evening and the belief that artists, actors, collectors and public figures can all contribute to causes that reach far beyond their own professions.

Watching Sharon Stone conduct the auction was equally memorable. She brought warmth, humour and genuine enthusiasm to every lot, transforming the sale into much more than a fundraising exercise. Each artwork became part of a larger story about peace, justice and shared responsibility.

The setting itself carried particular symbolism. The Hague is internationally recognised as the city of peace and justice and home to many of the world’s leading international legal institutions. It felt like the ideal place for an event demonstrating how culture can contribute to humanitarian causes.

What stayed with me most, however, happened after the gala had ended.

As guests left the hotel, I found myself standing outside in the cold, wearing only my evening dress, waiting for my taxi. Sharon Stone’s car had already arrived, but when she noticed I was still waiting and visibly freezing, she immediately offered me a ride in her taxi. It was a completely unprompted act of kindness—far away from photographers and the audience—that I have never forgotten.

Moments like that reveal far more about a person than any public appearance. Her generosity extended beyond the stage, reflecting the same warmth she had shown throughout the evening.

Looking back, the gala reinforced something I have long believed: great works of art create value far beyond aesthetics or the marketplace. They bring people together, inspire generosity and help support causes that genuinely matter.

For me, that remains one of the most rewarding aspects of working as an art advisor. At its best, art has the power not only to enrich collections, but also to create meaningful connections between artists, collectors, philanthropists and society—reminding us that culture can make a tangible contribution to the wider world.