Mercedes-Benz Launches Partnership with National Gallery of Victoria's 'Melbourne Now' at Charity Gala

MELBOURNE – Nov 21, 2013: At a charity gala event in Melbourne on Wednesday 20 November, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific launched its new partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) as the principal partner of the NGV’s key summer exhibition ‘Melbourne Now’.

Being held from 22 November 2013 to 23 March 2014, ‘Melbourne Now’ comprises the largest exhibition ever offered in the 152 year history of the NGV, and represents an ambitious new direction for art in Melbourne.

Commemorating the partnership, ‘Melbourne Now’ artist Tully Moore was commissioned by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific to paint the bonnet of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. A short film documenting the creation of the piece was also produced to capture the inspiration behind the artwork.

This unique piece, auctioned off at the charity gala event, was to raise much needed funding for Brainwave, Australia’s only paediatric charity dedicated to supporting children with brain illnesses and their families.

Harnessing the immense crowd support, celebrity auctioneer and Brainwave Ambassador Shawn Cosgrove directed the showcase auction of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class bonnet. Spirited bidding ensued throughout the auction, with several buyers vying for the unique artwork. When the hammer dropped, a total of $11,500 had been successfully raised for Brainwave Australia and the children in desperate need of financial support.

The ‘Melbourne Now’ summer exhibition commences at the National Gallery of Victoria on 22 November 2013.