Voss Water Of Norway Reported That Voss Foundation Raised Over $1.5 Million Dollars At Their Art Auction

NEW YORK, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- VOSS Water of Norway is pleased to recognize that on May 31st, Voss Foundation again shattered records at their Just Around the Next Corner Art Auction at Kistefos Museum outside Oslo, Norway, raising NOK 11 Million (nearly $1.5 Million) to improve the lives of people across Sub-Saharan Africa with access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

The event more than doubled the success of the Foundation's original 2011 Just Around the Corner Art Auction. Kistefos Museum saw crowds with over 2,500 attendees. A number of works by international artists sold at multiples of their estimates, including pieces by Josh Smith (NOK 450,000), Mikkel McAlinden (NOK 220,000), Marina Abramović (NOK 26,000), Marianne Heske (NOK 110,000), Pøbel (NOK 45,000), Hedda Grevle Ottesen (NOK 80,000), William Wegman (NOK 30,000), Steinar Jakobsen (NOK 160,000), Mimmo Paladino (NOK 32,000), and a final non-artwork lot of a private curling lesson with Norway's championship curling team, Team Ulsrud. McAlinden saw the highest price his work has ever fetched at auction.

Sales of the auction alone exceeded the 2011 figures in NOK; however, the triumph was magnified by the generosity of host Christen Sveaas, Founder, Board member, and sponsor of Kistefos Museum, who opened the auction with the offer to personally make a donation matching the art sales.

"Once again, we have shown the power of global collaboration between artists, collectors and galleries. This extraordinary coalition has made it possible to sustain the missions of Voss Foundation and Milgis Trust for many years, at a level beyond our wildest dreams. I am filled with joy thinking of how many communities we will sustain with clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, and how vital this is to the preservation of the wildlife and ecosystem in the Milgis area," said Knut Brundtland, Founder and President of Voss Foundation.

"But none of this would be possible," he continued, "without the truly incredible philanthropy of Christen Sveaas. Voss Foundation, Milgis Trust, and hundreds of thousands of people across Sub-Saharan Africa will be forever grateful to him."

With legendary deft of touch and humor, Sotheby's Vice Chairman, Lord Mark Poltimore auctioned the 49 lots donated by artists, galleries, and collectors from Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia. This marked a new high-mark for Sotheby's in Norway, whose previous apex was reached with Voss Foundation in 2011. Proceeds will support the charitable activities of Voss Foundation and the work of its longest-standing partner, Milgis Trust.

Founded in 2008, Voss Foundation has implemented 118 clean water access points and 452 sanitation facilities in seven countries in Africa, as of May 2015, in addition to hundreds of thousands of dollars of vital infrastructure and maintenance. Since 2004, Milgis Trust has been working to conserve the wildlife, habitat, and people's way of life in Northern Kenya. As of January 2015, Voss Foundation and Milgis Trust's joint water projects were pumping approximately 51 million liters of water annually.

About VOSS Water:

VOSS bottled water comes from an artesian spring in a sparsely populated area on the southern tip of Norway. Confined in an aquifer deep beneath the earth, its pristine natural condition is protected from the source to the bottle.  Naturally low in sodium and other minerals, VOSS has a fresh clean refreshing taste perfect for all hydration occasions and is also the choice of world renowned chefs wishing to enhance a fine dining experience. Recognized for its distinctly iconic bottle design, VOSS is now offered at the finest hotels and restaurants in 52 countries worldwide. VOSS is available in both still and sparkling.  www.vosswater.com

VOSS takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to environmental stewardship by committing to the ongoing pursuit of 100% carbon neutrality. VOSS supports the Voss Foundation--a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to clean water to communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and raising awareness of an ongoing need in the region. www.vossfoundation.org

SOURCE VOSS Water of Norway