2020 has seen some of the worst international disasters across many fields. Although artists are some of the most vulnerable in society, they are often the first to step up and contribute to social, political and environmental issues.  

• 52% of artists are self-employed, compared with only 12% of all Canadian workers (Canadian Council for the Arts).

• The median individual income of Canada’s artists is 44% less than all Canadian workers (Canadian Council for the Arts).

 Art is used to illuminate the world both positively and negatively, as well as criticize injustices and amplify the voices of the people. It has an essential role and despite the unstable position in society, artists and creatives are on the frontlines of progress and change. We wanted to highlight some inspiring current and recent initiatives focused on raising money and awareness in support of global issues.

Relief for Beirut

On August 4th a fire broke out followed by an explosion, due to the unsafe storage of ammonium nitrate, in a warehouse in the port of Beirut. Killing at least 200 people and injured around 5,000 home to two million people. The blast levelled buildings nearby, caused extensive damage across the capital, overwhelming hospitals and leaving an estimated 300,000 people temporarily homeless. Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said collective losses might reach $10-15 billion (BBC News).

Art Relief for Beirut

An Instagram initiative raising money for relief in Beirut with proceeds for Impact Lebanon, the Lebanese Red Cross, Baytna Baytak and more. Artists donate works after donations made to organizations.

 For the Love of Beirut

A print sale by Dubai’s Center for Photography in support of the Lebanese Red Cross with 60 plus prints on until August 26th. Co-led by Ruwa and in partnership with The Beirut Center of Photgraphy, #InMyHouse and Jadaliyya E-Zine.

Mophradat

Dedicated to creating opportunities for artists from the Arab world through an inventive approach to funding, commissioning, collaborating, and gathering. They have started relief fund - the Beirut Art Fund.

Artists Fundraiser for Beirut

An online fundraiser for 24 hours as a Twitch event over August 12-13th raising money for Beirut based charities with performances by artists.

Nima Nabavi

The artist is donating a print for donations made to the Lebanese Red Cross. The work was also previously donated in support of Black Lives Matter.

Environmental Initiatives

Unity Forest

In partnership with the Rainforest Foundation, a print sale raising funds for the Amazon rainforest and the Indigenous communities of these lands.

The Earth Issue

A collective of artists and creatives dedicated to using art and culture to raise awareness for environmental activism. They produce a publication with Issue 004: A Dream of Tomorrow available here. They recently held a Freedom Fundraiser (now closed) which raised £213.2K in support of Black lives organizations.

Various Initiatives

Matthew Shlian

The artist has auctioned several pieces over the last few months in support of various causes including @foodgatherers, @naacp, @splcenter, @aclu_nationwide and @ozone_house.

Paul Mpagi Sepuya

https://www.instagram.com/pagmi/

The artist has contributed to several fundraisers including the above image which raised $217K in support of ACCE Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Black Lives Matter, Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, Black Visions Collective, Fair Fight, Freedom Fund, Laundromat Project, National Bail Out / Black Mamas Fund and Summaeverythang Community Center. He has also donated his work in support of LA Art Workers Relief Fund here and you can find his print donated to Unity Forest here.

Hand Medal Project

Jewellery artists making medals in gratitude to frontline healthcare workers.

Black Lives Matter

Some notable mentions of projects whose fundraisers have now closed in support of Black Lives and Black creative organizations are below:

See in Black

A collective of Black photographers uplifting Black visibility. A now closed print sale fundraiser Vol. 001 Black In America was held in July supporting Know Your Rights Camp, Black future Lab, Youth Empowerment Project, The Bail Project and the National Black Justice Coalition.

Don’t Back Down

A limited edition print sale (now closed) printed by LA's Black-owned Contact Photo Lab in support of Black Lives Matter.

Rocket Science Fundraiser

A now closed fundraiser with 87 artists participating and all prints by Light Work Lab contributing to Black lives charities.

We are happy to highlight just a few of the many recent artist led initiatives that are attempting to create a better world.

Sources:

Canadian Council for the Arts A Statistical Profile of Artists in Canada in 2016 November 27, 2019 - https://canadacouncil.ca/research/research-library/2019/03/a-statistical-profile-of-artists-in-canada-in-2016

BBC News Beirut explosion: What we know so far 11 August 2020 -https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53668493