The Starving Artists Project Brings Attention to Cardboard Creativity
Meghan Young — January 23, 2013 — Social Good
References: starvingartistsproject & psfk
The Starving Artists Project brings attention to the homeless and their plight in a way that will help to open eyes as well as wallets. Focusing on the common use of cardboard signs, the exhibit puts them on display alongside a crisp and raw portrait of the person who wrote it. Showing at the Dumbo Arts Center in Brooklyn, New York, the Starving Artists Project is comprised of 35 handwritten signs and 30 portraits.
Founded by Thompson Harrell and Nick Zafonte with photography by Andrew Zuckerman, the Starving Artists Project raises funds for the New York City Coalition Against Hunger and Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. The website observes, "Every day the homeless reach out through the only means they have, scraps of cardboard and their own creativity. The problem is we don’t look, seeing their messages as an interruption to our day." Thanks to the Starving Artists Project, people will be looking now.
Founded by Thompson Harrell and Nick Zafonte with photography by Andrew Zuckerman, the Starving Artists Project raises funds for the New York City Coalition Against Hunger and Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. The website observes, "Every day the homeless reach out through the only means they have, scraps of cardboard and their own creativity. The problem is we don’t look, seeing their messages as an interruption to our day." Thanks to the Starving Artists Project, people will be looking now.
Trend Themes
1. Homeless Empowerment - Rather than just seeing the homeless as recipients of aid, there is an opportunity for businesses in industries like education and training to empower homeless individuals with skills and knowledge they need to improve their lives.
2. Cause-related Marketing - Brands could use cause-related marketing to raise funds for the homeless, and bring awareness on their plight, while also potentially gaining new customers who believe in a particular cause such as NPOs fighting homelessness.
3. Tech Philanthropy - With technology, there is an opportunity to create products that will help the homeless have better access to food, shelter, and other necessities, which may present itself as a promising area for companies seeking philanthropic initiatives.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - An opportunity to develop and produce products that showcase the cardboard creativity of the homeless and help raise funds to support organizations fighting homelessness.
2. Charity - Charities can use this strategy to highlight the plight of the homeless can inspire more awareness and encourage patronage.
3. Art Installations/exhibitions - There is an opportunity to leverage art to bring attention to the homeless and how people can become part of the solution.
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