The art of Exhibiting to Give
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to use my creativity as a way of giving. Through my journey as an artist, I’ve had the privilege of meeting countless generous and inspiring individuals from all walks of life—people who are actively working to heal, uplift, and serve their communities in powerful ways.What began as a personal calling soon became something far greater. My art evolved into a way of representing the voices and causes of others offering interpretations that could spark conversation, raise awareness, and generate much-needed support. What moved me most was how open and receptive these organisations were. They welcomed art not just as decoration, but as a vital tool, one that could help tell their stories, reach new audiences, and raise significant funds.
​
Over the past 12 years, I’ve gradually shaped my focus toward building a long-term foundation, one that supports both frontline and established charities through art. My vision is to continue creating and curating work that directly contributes to meaningful causes, while also offering a platform for other artists to do the same.
​
​
Here are some of my most memorable experiences and the causes I’ve supported through public and private exhibitions, bespoke pieces, donations, and creative collaborations.
​
Events from 2006 to 2022
​
​
​​
​
Launch of Restless Beings : Human Rights Charity
Toy Appeal Manchester : Donation of Toys
Delhi Literature Festival : Save the Children UK
Archies Ball Hilton : ARCHIE Foundation
Variety Club Dinner ball : Supporting local Charities
Ekatva Kensignton : Ekatva Foundation
Dinner with the Shiek : Sonia Ochoa, Mattai Viaali
Manceshter ball : Supporting Local Charities
Asian Media awards : Asian Leader Fund Appeal
Prviate Event : Womens Menapose, London
Stephen Davies : Cancer Research Fund Raiser
Rise The Runway : Laxme Foundation Waldorph,
Princes Gala Dinner : Hilton Deansgate
Women of Syria : Private Fundraiser, France
Evening with G nevelle : Man UTD foundation, Old T.
Dinner with the CEOS : Private dinner at the Shard.
Ghs Heart Foundation : Private Event, London
Asian Sporting Success : City Sikhs Fundraiser.
UCL Friends of MSF : Pakistan Floods Fundraiser
Red Sea Pedestrians : Annual Fundraiser
BAPS 10K Challenge : Barnardo’s Fundraisor
World Hunger Day : The Dorchester Gala Dinner
Manchester Christmas Ball : Papyrus Fundraisor
Squared Circle India : Private Art Show for Donors
Asian CEO Gala Party : Private Art Show for Age UK
UK Asian Music Awards : Trust Fund for Musicians
UK Asian Film Festival : Art Presentation for Donors
Best of Brittania : Donations for Preston Charities
Joy of Giving Week in Ahmedabad : Show for NGOs
11 Men v 11 : Private Event for Cancer Reesaech
​Earth Hour Ahmedabad : World Wildlife Fund
A Billion Hands Concert : Mumbai attacks Fund
Red Rickshaw Revolution : Art Donation - Apne Aap
Diwali Ball at the Savoy : Art exhibition, Donations
Legends of Sports Royal london : LFC Art Donations
Manchester Diwali Ball : Art donations for Cancer R.
Manchester Youth Zone : Sports Art Donations .
Bluemehndi VIP Party : Private Fund Raisor LND
ISB Dance Festival Holland : Art Donations for ISBF
​
FROM LABOUR CLUBS TO ROYAL DINNERS
I began by sharing what I had created in the quiet corners of my mind—pieces shaped in solitude, born out of something deeper than me. I didn’t know who they were for, but I believed that the right artwork could expand another person’s world. So I showed up. Whether or not I had the words to explain it, whether or not the frames were perfect, I just showed up to give. To express. To share something honest. The more I did that, the more the world opened up and gave me new chances to contribute—to heal, to connect, to offer something real.
In the beginning, I wasn’t confident speaking in public. I didn’t feel comfortable in the centre of a room. My work wasn’t always presented well. I didn’t have the resources or experience to make things look polished. But I pushed myself to stand in front of people anyway. I knew that if I kept showing up, I would grow. I had doubts. I had fears. But something kept moving me forward.
Giving became a kind of shield. It made things feel safer. If I was donating my work, maybe I wouldn’t be judged as harshly. That was part of my thinking at the time. So I used those early opportunities as a place to learn and also to protect myself. If people didn’t like what I made, at least I was giving it away for a good reason.
My first real attempt at making a business from art came through a project called Preston City Arts. I created a series of digital watercolour pieces based on 12 locations around my hometown—places that held meaning for me. I didn’t plan to share them at first, but a couple of close friends encouraged me to take them out into the community. I started showing them to local organisers, people running small events in Labour Clubs, community halls, old bowling greens—spaces where people still came together. Some groups were recreational, others were focused on raising awareness. I donated nearly 20% of any sales back to those communities.
​​
That small step gave me access. One connection led to another, and eventually I was invited to take part in a national initiative called Best of Britannia, which brought together UK-made brands under one roof. It was a game changer. We were still amateurs at that point. We had a room in the Old Post Office in Preston’s market district—small, hidden, almost underground. But we transformed it into a gallery with plants, art, and music. One piece we featured there, The Magic Puddle, was created just 24 hours before the opening. Over the course of three days, we sold out. Ten editions of The Magic Puddle, seven other works, and more. We arrived in debt, unable to pay for framing and printing. We left with tens of thousands of pounds—and new belief.
​
Even then, giving was built into everything we did. We donated a percentage to local charities, even when the donations were private. That event led to others. One vicar from Penwortham invited us to his church, and we created and donated a custom piece for the congregation. We presented it on a sunny Sunday afternoon, surrounded by families, tea, and cake. That piece still hangs there today.
​
We did the same at Preston North End, where I created a tribute to Sir Tom Finney—an image of him sliding through water, based on the iconic moment immortalised outside the stadium. I had met him as a young footballer, and his kindness stayed with me. That artwork remains at the stadium, and we arranged for all sales profits to support the Tom Finney Foundation.
​
​
For several years, I kept doing things like this. If there was a chance to show up and give something, I did. Even if the prints were rough, even if I didn’t have a plan, I’d be there. Sometimes I don’t even know what the money raised amounted to, or how big of an impact it made. But I know what it did for me. It taught me that art could be a vehicle for generosity, for feedback, for purpose. And that shaped how I approached every opportunity after that.
Eventually, those small community events led to invitations from temples, mosques, spiritual centres, even international gatherings. What began in a few Labour Clubs stretched out far beyond what I could have imagined. At these fairs, I began connecting with event organisers, auctioneers, and national charities. Suddenly I was no longer showing my work to a handful of people. I was on stage, presenting to rooms filled with thousands. And the work held its own. It consistently raised the highest bids of the night. I remember one particular evening where four of my pieces were auctioned at four different events across Manchester at the same time. All four sold. Together they raised over £35,000 in one hour.
From there, things accelerated. Over the next two years, I exhibited at more than 30 major charity events across the UK. I became more confident. I understood how to present, how to communicate, and how to hold space in a room. Then one day, I received a call from a friend connected to a major charity in London. He asked me to contribute to a fundraising event at the Waldorf for the Prince’s Trust.
​
​
​
The event was centred around a fashion show created by survivors of acid attacks—women from India and across the world—supported by global figures like Michelle Obama and major Bollywood stars. I was asked to create a single piece to represent the cause. I had three days. I stayed up each night to complete it.
I arrived at the venue in my old Enterprise van, unaware of how grand the occasion would be. I just brought the work. And when the curtains opened, it was overwhelming. Powerful women, leaders, celebrities, royalty. The work was embraced. I was embraced. And it changed everything.That moment led to three or four years of invitations to royal galas, charity balls, and national fundraisers. I was presenting art at the Park Lane Hilton, the Hilton in Manchester, and other high-profile venues attended by the Royal Family and the country’s top business leaders. My artwork became part of those nights. And with every opportunity, we raised more—sometimes between £25,000 and £60,000 in a single evening.
Much of it went to charity. My costs were covered, but the impact was the real reward. And during that time, I met hundreds of inspiring people. Community leaders, musicians, entertainers, even members of the Royal Family. It was surreal. I can’t share most of the photographs for privacy reasons, but I’ll never forget it. Those moments were magical. That experience gave me the confidence to keep building. Every event was documented. Every moment became a stepping stone. From the first time I stood nervously in a community centre, to the nights I stood before kings and queens, I was guided by one thing—an instinct to create and to give.
​
If I hadn’t trusted that, if I hadn’t shown up, I would never have discovered what creativity is truly worth. Not just as a product, but as a force. A way to move people. A way to make something better. A way to give.
​
​A deeper dive into Jai's experiences will be made availble through his BLOG platform launching in 2026.
LETS RAISE TOGETHER
INVITE US TO SHOWCASE & DONATE OUR ART AT YOUR EVENT
×´If you’re a charity, an organisation, or simply someone working to raise funds or awareness for a cause you care about, we’d love to work with you & help you connect with people through powerful, visual art masterpeices.×´
Jai Sol
Throughout my journey as an artist, exhibitor, and donor of artworks to social causes, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside auctioneers, charity organisers, NGOs, event managers, and fundraising teams from across the country. One thing that always stood out, both to me and those involved was the reaction when we introduced our artwork into these spaces. Whether it was a black-tie charity gala or a grassroots community fundraiser, the art always created a moment. Guests were drawn in. They were curious. They connected emotionally. And time and time again, the artwork became the highest-selling item of the night, often raising more than luxury experiences or exclusive products because it told a story. It spoke directly to the theme of the evening and the cause at hand.
​
Now, we want to bring this opportunity to you. ​
​​
We can tailor a presentation that’s completely bespoke to your event including framed artworks, easels, lighting.
Whether it’s an in-person gala, an online auction, or a private fundraising dinner, we’ll showcase art that resonates deeply with your audience and most importantly, 100% of the profits from the artwork sold go directly to your cause.
Our collection includes an eclectic range of work:
-
Themes including sport, family, love, culture, hope, healing, and consciousness
-
Styles ranging from fine art and digital to abstract and illustrative
-
Sizes from small intimate pieces to large-scale statement works
-
Values spanning from £1,000 to £100,000​
Contact our fundraising team and we’ll handle the rest - artofgiving@jaisolart.com
​
​