Ed Sheeran donates half of painting sales to music charity

In July 2025, Ed Sheeran held an exhibition of his Cosmic Carpark Paintings at London's Heni Gallery. The exhibition opened on July 11 and ran until August 1, showcasing a collection of abstract artworks that Sheeran created during his downtime on tour. The event aimed to raise funds for the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which focuses on providing quality music education for children. Sheeran began painting after his Divide Tour in 2019 and was encouraged by friends, including renowned artist Damien Hirst, to exhibit and sell his work, initially intended as gifts for family and friends. Sheeran's paintings were largely produced in a disused car park in Soho, where he would dedicate his mornings to painting before heading out on tour again. The suggestion to exhibit his work came from Hirst, who also played a significant role in motivating Sheeran to turn his passion into a way to support grassroots music projects and schools. This exhibition provided a unique opportunity for the public to acquire original artwork from the well-known singer-songwriter while also contributing to a charitable cause. As part of the initiative, 50% of the net sale price of each painting was directly allocated to the Ed Sheeran Foundation. This organization supports endeavors that aim to give kids access to music education—an effort that Sheeran is passionate about, shaped by his own background, as both of his parents had careers in the arts. Sheeran's reach within the music industry, where he has achieved significant success, has allowed him to leverage his art in a charitable context, blending his creative talents with his philanthropic goals. The exhibition received widespread attention, attracting both art enthusiasts and fans of Sheeran alike. Admission to the exhibition was free, further encouraging community engagement and participation. With his new collection, Sheeran not only demonstrated his artistic abilities but also underscored the importance of supporting music education initiatives for the younger generation, aiming to ensure that children everywhere have opportunities to express themselves through music.