In June 2026, I Am We Are will gather artists, collectors, partners, and community members across two continents for I Am Free — our 8th Annual Art Auction & Cultural Exhibition, presented in partnership with Denzil’s & Jo Gallery (Johannesburg). Honoring the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, this year’s auction celebrates the power of young people, artists, and communities to imagine freedom and move us closer to it.

 

Auction will open for bidding on June 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM EST and close on June 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

 

On June 16, 1976, thousands of Black students in Soweto rose up to protest an unjust education system under apartheid. What began as a student-led protest against the forced use of Afrikaans as a language of instruction became one of the defining moments in South Africa’s liberation struggle, reminding the world that young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow — they are often the moral leaders of the present.

In 2026, we mark 50 years since that uprising. For IAWA, this commemoration is deeply connected to our mission: we believe young people deserve education that affirms them, communities that support them, opportunities that prepare them, and spaces where their voices, talents, and dreams are taken seriously.

 
 

This auction is designed as a full-circle model of impact. Through a curated exhibition process, I Am Free will feature both emerging and established South African artists, creating access for new voices while expanding the reach of artists already shaping the cultural landscape. Participating artists will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their work, ensuring their creativity is celebrated and meaningfully compensated, while the remaining proceeds will support IAWA’s youth leadership and work readiness programs. In this way, every artwork carries a double impact: investing in the creative future of an artist and the life pathway of a young person.

 
 
 
 
 

. . Chelsey Lowe . . Denzil Sibanda . . Jen Erie . . Khuselwa Phakatwana . .

. . Meisha Robinson . . Monica Dean . . Nyano Wong . .

 
 
 

  • Do I need to attend in person to participate in the auction?
    No. Purchasing a ticket for the reception is not required to participate in the auction. Supporters will be able to view items and bid online once the auction site opens.

  • When will the auction site be available?
    The auction site will be available for viewing beginning June 11, 2026.

  • When does bidding open and close?
    Bidding will open on June 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM EST and close on June 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

  • Can I view the artwork in person?
    Yes. Auction items will be available to view in person at the June 11 Preview Reception in Washington, DC.

  • Where do auction proceeds go?
    Auction proceeds support both participating artists and IAWA’s youth leadership and work readiness programs. Participating artists will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their work, and the remaining funds will help young people build the confidence, skills, exposure, and support systems needed to transition into higher education, employment, and adulthood.

  • Will artists be compensated?
    Yes. Participating artists will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their work, ensuring their creativity is celebrated and meaningfully compensated.

  • Can I sponsor the event?
    Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, companies, foundations, and community partners who want to support youth leadership, artist visibility, and a bi-continental cultural experience rooted in social impact.

  • Who can I contact with questions?
    For questions about the auction or reception, please contact info@iamweareyouth.org. For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please contact development@iamweareyouth.org.