SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading
international artists Shepard Fairey, Jenny Holzer, Luchita Hurtado and more are
partnering with eBay to release an exclusive,
artist-designed series of fine art bandanas. The new campaign,
titled "Artists Band Together", supports key
organizations working to increase voter turnout in the
upcoming U.S. elections.
The limited-edition artworks, made to be worn or displayed, are
available at eBay.com/ArtistsBandTogether, with 100% of
proceeds supporting programs that educate, register, and mobilize
voters: Mijente, Rise and Woke Vote.
Each of the 15 participating artists have contributed an
original design that aims to inspire young people, first-time
voters, and historically disenfranchised communities of color to
get out the vote.
The designs will be available as individual artworks, three
curated sets and one complete set. The 15 works will be released in
two "eBay exclusive" artist drops through November 1. Releasing today, eight artist singles
($35/each) from Marilyn Minter, Juliana
Huxtable and Rirkrit Tiravanija to name a few, special sets
($175 for 5 per a set) and the
full set of 15 ($525) are
available. The second launch drops on September 1 at 2am
PT / 5am ET, releasing the
remaining seven artist bandanas ($35/each), including designs from
Barbara Kruger, Hank Willis Thomas and Christine Sun Kim.
"eBay is the partner of choice for artists and charities looking
to expand their reach to a global audience of millions," says
Sam Bright, Vice President, General
Manager of Verticals, eBay North
America. "Together with these incredible creators and
organizations, we are tapping the power of eBay's vibrant community
to empower voices and mobilize voters."
Meet Artists Band Together
Artists Band Together is a coalition of like-minded citizen
advocates dedicated to the principles of democracy. On the eve of
the DNC and RNC, and with deadlines for voter registration looming,
the project's goal is to raise money and awareness in support of
community-led voter-registration groups Rise, Mijente and Woke
Vote.
"This project is rooted in the history of bandanas as symbols of
unity. From the abolitionist movement to Rosie the Riveter,
bandanas have been wearable markers of alliance and action,"
said Nora Halpern, one
of the curators of the project. "By bringing together long-time
artist changemakers, our goal is to celebrate and elevate the
myriad voices that make up American voters. Throughout history,
artists have proven their unique ability to awaken, challenge and
inspire us. We are grateful for the generosity of spirit of the 15
powerful artists who have joined us in our effort, alongside eBay
for Charity, to 'band together' and support this vital and timely
cause."
"I believe in the Artists Band Together project because I think
we all can make the country better, and that art and the
humanitarian spirit of artists can play a valuable role in doing
so," said participating artist Shepard Fairey. "This project
embraces the principles of democracy by making art accessible
through the bandanas, while also providing support to the
grassroots voting initiatives of the organizations benefiting from
the profits -- Rise, Mijente, and Woke Vote. The caliber of artists
involved is inspiring, and I believe in the story behind each work
of art. I think that everyone from collectors to activists will be
embracing these as collectable symbols of democracy at this
historic moment."
About her design, the late artist Luchita Hurtado said,
"'Together Forever' is a slogan of our time that confronts racial
inequality, environmental advocacy, and united survival during a
global pandemic, all in just two words. I don't think there's
anything more important, that's what the human race needs."
"Everyone has to do something to change the culture right now,"
said artist Marilyn Minter.
"We're waging a battle on two fronts: fighting COVID-19 and
fighting stupidity. I'm saying resist getting Covid and selfish
behavior. Resist complying with the ignorance that's pervading our
world right now."
Artist Release │August 17
- Shepard Fairey
- Juliana Huxtable
- Rirkrit Tiravanija
- Umar Rashid
- Jenny Holzer
- Christina Quarles
- Luchita Hurtado
- Marilyn Minter
Artist Release │September 1
- Alex Israel
- Victoria Cassinova
- Xavier Schipani
- Christine Sun Kim
- Hank Willis Thomas For Freedoms
- Merritt Johnson
- Barbara Kruger
Artists Band Together is curated by Amanda Fairey, Jill Goldman, Nora Halpern, Asti Hustvedt, and Victoria Kennedy. Working in close
collaboration, the project's curators turned to artists and the
compelling power of art to carry the bandana's activist spirit into
the future as a sign of banding together—not only for the sake of
public health in the midst of a global pandemic, but also for
racial, social, environmental, educational and economic justice,
for women's, immigrants', disability and LGBTQIA rights.
Investing in Voter Turnout
Mijente, Rise, and Woke
Vote lead grassroots organizing programs focused on constituencies
who are likely to decide the outcomes of elections nationwide
including Black voters, Latinx voters, and young voters more
broadly. These groups have a proven track record of increasing
voter turnout through long term efforts to engage and inspire
voters nationwide. The 2020 electorate is likely to be the youngest
and most racially diverse in history with Gen Z representing 1 in
10 eligible voters and people of color representing 1 in 3.
"At Mijente we believe in uplifting young Latinx members of the
community and helping to build their leadership capacity.
Through our voter engagement work in the South we are building a
network of young members who are content creators, digital
storytellers and organizers to better each young Latinx
people."
- Marisa Franco, Mijente, Executive
Director
"What unites artists and organizers is using our creativity to
make the world a better place. That is why we are so proud to have
the support of Artists Band Together as we build a movement of
young people organizing to make sure everyone can exercise their
right to vote in November."
- Max Lubin, Rise, Co-Founder & CEO
"Woke Vote understands the power of creativity and culture. That
is why we are thrilled to be a part of the Artists Band Together
initiative. This generation is full of dreamers, storytellers and
truth seekers - we also need them to be voters. We are excited to
stand with Mijente, Rise and other groups to ensure as many young
people as possible use their voice this November!"
-
DeJuana Thompson, Woke Vote Founder
& Chief Believer
Sales of the Artists Band Together artworks will benefit equally
Rise, Mijente, and WokeVote. To purchase and for more information
please visit eBay.com/ArtistsBandTogether.
About the Beneficiary Nonprofit Organizations
Mijente is a political, digital, and grassroots hub for Latinx
and Chicanx organizing and movement building. Mijente's key
campaign in North Carolina is
Somos Más. Its goal is to reach, register, and mobilize more
than 200,000 Latinx voters in the state. As a network of pro–Black,
pro–indigenous, pro–worker, pro–mujer, pro–immigrant, and
pro–climate organizers, we build social movements across place,
peoples and issues. Mijente helps our gente build power through
campaigns, culture, learning and advocacy. Join us at:
https://mijente.net
Rise is a student-led nonprofit organization working to make
higher education free and accessible for all. Through campaigns to
end college student hunger and homelessness, eliminate tuition and
fees, and support students affected by COVID-19, Rise invests
directly in student organizers leading advocacy efforts on campuses
nationwide. This year, Rise is mobilizing more than 100,000 college
student voters in California,
Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Learn more:
https://risefree.org
Woke Vote invests in the activation, long-term engagement,
training and development of new organizers, and mobilization of
historically disengaged voters of color. By building lasting
relationships with a consistent organizing presence, Woke Vote has
surpassed voter engagement goals to increase voter turnout by as
much as 36% in certain communities. In 2020, Woke Vote is leading
voter registration and protection programs focused on Alabama, Michigan, North
Carolina, Pennsylvania, and
Wisconsin. Learn more:
https://wokevote.us
About eBay for Charity
eBay for Charity enables
members of the eBay community to connect with and support their
favorite charities in the U.S. and abroad. Every time a user buys
or sells on eBay, it's an opportunity to support causes that matter
the most and to help with their fundraising goals. With more than
83,500 charities enrolled on the site, eBay is home to one of the
world's largest and most active giving communities. Since 2003, the
eBay community has raised more than $1
billion for charity. For more information visit
www.ebayforcharity.org.
Contact:
Fitz & Co
Blaise
Marshall | bmarshall@fitzandco.art | 929-266-0865
eBay
Press@eBay.com
Beneficiary Groups
Max
Lubin | max@risefree.org | 310-980-1346
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