The Earth Issue, a collective of artists and creatives working towards a greener planet, has temporarily put environmental issues aside to raise funds for a different global matter, in aid of the fight against the oppressing systematic racism enrooted in the US and UK societies. Set-up in response to the current turmoiled political climate, propelled by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis by a white police officer, the Freedom Fundraiser print sale is raising money for the Black Lives Matter movement via bail funds and social justice organizations.
With each print sold at £100, The Earth Issue has already raised £70,000 in proceeds, split primarily between Bail Funds: George Floyd and 4FrontProject, a UK-based charity that empowers young people to fight for justice, peace and freedom. However, the collective has committed to evaluate donations to other funds if needed: “The Earth Issue will continuously monitor the landscape of organisations needing funds, adjusting to whom we donate every 3 days based on needs and recommendations from frontliners in the civil rights struggle”.
The fundraiser started on 5th June and will run for 30 days, featuring the works of more than 80 recognizable photographers across fashion and art, including Harley Weir, Adama Jalloh, Alexandra Leese and Ronan McKenzie. Due to the overwhelming response so far, the Earth Issue will be adding over 90 new prints to the sale this Tuesday for Round 2 of the Freedom Fundraiser.
