In addition to the donated works, pieces from the Artists' Association art collection will go under the hammer. These works were mainly acquired from well‑known Estonian authors who have exhibited at spring and autumn exhibitions. When making the selection, the working group considered both recent developments in the art market and the principle of preserving the substantive integrity of the union's art collection, which reflects the diversity of Estonian art life. The entire collection will not be auctioned.

At least one valuable work from each author will remain in the EKL collection, and several works from many artists, said EKL vice president Tüüne‑Kristin Vaikla. Works that speak about the artists and art life itself will remain untouched.

"We are organizing the auction as openly as possible: all art enthusiasts can participate, either on site at the ARS Art City or online. The works that find new owners at the auction will not disappear from public view – a clause will be added to the purchase agreement allowing the works to be exhibited at future shows. This way, Estonia's art heritage remains accessible even after the sale," Vaikla added.

Artists donated 124 works. Artist Jaanus Samma, who coordinated the arrival of the works, said that the donations show that artists stand together and want to contribute to the union.

"Difficulties have a unifying effect; I have personally experienced this over the past weeks," he said. "Artists bring in works, ask how things are going, wish success and offer help. Preparing the auction has been very exciting; I have met many artists, visited studios and felt a sense of community."

Among the works at the auction are pieces by Jüri Arrak, Enn Põldroos, Tiit Pääsuke, Leonhard Lapin, Jüri Kask, Olev Subbi and Mari Kurismaa.

Authors of works sold from the union's collection will receive five percent of the sales revenue, in line with good secondary‑market practice. Authors of newly donated works will receive 15 percent.

The selection of works from the EKL collection for the auction was made by a working group consisting of: Harry Liivrand (EKL council representative, art historian and art‑market expert), Jaanus Samma (artist, EKL council and Art Infrastructure Council member), Liina Linsi (Art Infrastructure Council member), Tiina Määrmann (art‑market expert), Eero Epner (art historian), Kai Lobjakas (design and applied arts expert), Elnara Taidre (art historian and critic), Reigo Kuivjõgi (Estonian Art Auctions), Ain Kaldra (Estonian Art Auctions), Maarin Ektermann (EKL president) and Tüüne‑Kristin Vaikla (EKL vice president).

A fixed number of works can be put up for sale each day of the three‑day auction, which set clear limits for the selection. Works that did not make it into the selection this time will be sold at a separate exhibition sale in EKL galleries at the end of the year.

EKL is currently preparing descriptions and digital versions of the works going to auction, together with experts. These will be used in the auction's online environment and in hall and other presentation texts. After that, the full list of works and starting prices will be published.

The auction will take place from 8–10 October at the ARS Art City. The auction works can be viewed more closely at an exhibition opening on 18 September at the Art City.

On 15 May, EKL discovered that nearly €700,000 had been transferred out of the union's bank accounts through a criminal fraud scheme. The perpetrators gained access to EKL's bank accounts and transferred the money abroad under the guise of salary payments. The EKL council approved the board's proposal to take out a loan to cover the resulting costs, organize an emergency art auction and sell real estate.

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