“PAPER CRANES FOR JAPAN” IN NEW YORK TIMES SUNDAY MAGAZINE
ARTIST VIK MUNIZ CREATES ART FROM THOUSANDS OF PAPER CRANES
Art Poster Available for Sale to Benefit Reconstruction Efforts
SEATTLE, August 22, 2011—When Students Rebuild partnered with DoSomething.org’s “Paper Cranes for Japan” initiative in the aftermath of the earthquake in Japan, young people worldwide were challenged to make 100,000 origami cranes. In return, the Bezos Family Foundation would donate two dollars for every crane received, up to $200,000, as well as commission a permanent piece of art made from the cranes to be installed in Japan as a lasting remembrance.
The idea inspired a global outpouring that brought in more than two million cranes from every U.S. state and 38 countries. In response, the foundation doubled its gift to $400,000. Shortly after, an anonymous donor added another $100,000.
The global response caught the attention of celebrated artist Vik Muniz who generously donated his time, vision and his Brooklyn studio team to create a large-scale piece of art—“Large Paper Crane”—from thousands of the paper cranes.
“Art can transform lives, assist society in times of crisis and help correct social inequities. In this instance, it can help rebuild Japan,” says Vik Muniz. “Working with the children, and incorporating art created by children, is always very exciting. Kids are genuinely, instinctively creative. They are capable of making choices and having that kind of input into a work of art is intense.”
Order a poster and help rebuild
The wondrous art piece was photographed in Muniz’s studio, and the photo has been made into an art poster, now available for sale. The benefit poster measures 40” x 50” and costs $30 (USD), which includes shipping and handling within the United States. Posters can be shipped internationally for an additional charge.
All profits from the sale of the art poster will be donated to Architecture for Humanity and its team of local pro bono building professionals in Kyoto, Osaka, Sendai and Tokyo for long-term reconstruction efforts. VISIT http://studentsrebuild.org/japan/benefit-poster to order your benefit poster.
For more information on “Paper Cranes for Japan” visit:
Students Rebuild: http://studentsrebuild.org/japan and http://studentsrebuild.org/japan/benefit-poster
Students Rebuild facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StudentsRebuild
DoSomething.org: http://www.dosomething.org/Japan
Paper Cranes for Japan facebook: http://www.facebook.com/papercranesforjapan
Vik Muniz homepage: http://www.vikmuniz.net/
About the Partners:
Students Rebuild is an initiative of the Bezos Family Foundation that inspires young people to connect, learn and take action on critical global issues. Learn more about Students Rebuild and the Bezos Family Foundation. http://studentsrebuild.org
DoSomething.org is the largest organization in the U.S. helping young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. Plug in at www.DoSomething.org and Twitter: @dosomething
Architecture for Humanity (AFH) is an international NGO that provides architectural and construction services. AFH is working to rebuild schools, community facilities, an orphanage and an art/music therapy center in Japan. http://architectureforhumanity.org/
CONTACTS:
Diana Bianchini, Architecture for Humanity, +1-310-288-0077, diana@dimodapr.com
Linda Shockley, Students Rebuild, the Bezos Family Foundation, +1-917-521-0711, shockley@bezosfamilyfoundation.org
Jessica Pollack, DoSomething.org, +1-212-691-2800; pollack@sunshinesachs.com