“I discovered Make-A-Wish in 2008 not long after losing my sister. I have always been passionate about art and the idea for Art of Wishes was born out of that.
Art of Wishes raises funds to support Make-A-Wish UK, helping bring joy, healing and strength to children battling critical illness at a time when they need it most.
I never had any doubt that the artists, gallerists and collectors would want to support us. That said, I am constantly overwhelmed and humbled by the degree to which they do. We would be nowhere without their assistance, but equally, we would not have achieved any of what we have done without the dedicated and indefatigable support of the Art of Wishes committee, all of whom give their time, creativity and energy freely and generously.”
Batia Ofer is a passionate philanthropist and has been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the last 16 years.
In 2017, she became Founder and Chair of Art of Wishes and has raised an incredible £15 million to date granting over 6,000 wishes to children living with critical illnesses. After the Gala in 2025 Batia stepped down as Chair of Art of Wishes and took on a new role as Honorary President.
Batia is also the Chair of the Royal Academy Trust, a patron of the arts, and an established art collector. Alongside her role as Chair of the Royal Academy Trust, she holds Board, Trustee, and Advisory level positions at cultural and educational institutions such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Sotheby’s and the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation. She also chaired the Education Committee at the Serpentine Gallery and has consulted for Frieze Art Fair.
Batia is also responsible for overseeing the ‘Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation’, which supports a range of causes across issues of health, education and culture that are close to her heart. This includes the construction of ‘The Sammy Ofer Centre’ at the London Business School which supports the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, and the establishment of a scholarship program for Israeli and Palestinian students at the Harvard Kennedy School.
