2011-2018 

PRESS RELEASE

for immediate release

 click above image for photos

 Artists unite for peace  - see photos

Starting September 13 Benjamin Murphy, PANG and 616 paint the Shoreditch Art Wall to celebrate International Day of Peace -

To coincide with International Peace Day (21 September), talented UK and international artists will paint blank canvases, walls and windows in London and beyond - using peace as their inspiration.

The #Art4peace campaign will launch on 8 September in Old Street Underground Station, London, and continue until the end of the month. A selection of the pieces will be auctioned at Hoxton Gallery on 3 October, raising money for peace-building charity International Alert.

Inspired by world events, as well as their own backgrounds, the artists will use all their creativity to present the message of peace in a fresh and challenging way.

Ilaria Bianchi of International Alert said: "We are delighted that so many talented and diverse artists have agreed to take part in this campaign.

“Peace means different things to different people, so each artist will interpret the message in their own way. It will be fascinating to compare their contributions, while at the same time celebrating peace and raising support for the invaluable work of International Alert."

The artists taking part in this project will include: 616, Ben Murphy, Dan Kitchener, David Walker, Francesca Love Artist, Ibrahim Fakhri, Jim McElvaney, Joel Bergner, Kef, Lana Alana, Magnus Gjoen, Mr Dane, Pang, Paul Curtis (Moose), Pure Evil, Faunagraphic, Summayya Jillani, Suzko and Tarek Tuma.

The #Art4peace campaign will run as part of Talking Peace Festival – a month-long series of events held by International Alert to celebrate peace and the power of words in resolving conflicts

Ilaria Bianchi added: “Art in all its forms has the power to engage people in a conversation and to challenge established ideas. We hope that a broader understanding of issues of war and peace will be gained through this campaign”.

Syrian artist Tarek Tuma believes art can be a powerful tool for peace: “You have the force of destruction represented by wars and atrocities, and you have another force of creation represented by art.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

KEY DATES

• 8 September – graffiti artists Dan Kitchener and Pure Evil launches the campaign with a live painting session in Old Street Underground Station.

• 8 – 14 September – live painting sessions in Old Street Underground Station (various artists).

• 13 – 19 September – takeover of Shoreditch Art Wall by artists 616, Ben Murphy and Pang.

• 20 – 21 September (International Peace Day) – live painting sessions at Queen of Hoxton rooftop (various artists).

• 23 September – 3 October - exhibition at Hoxton Gallery.

• 3 October - auction at Hoxton Gallery.

The complete #Art4peace line-up will be announced later in August. Please check our website for updates: www.talkingpeacefestival.co.uk

For more images or to arrange interviews with artists, please contact:

About International Alert

International Alert is one of the world’s leading peacebuilding organisations, with nearly 30 years of experience laying the foundations for peace in more than 25 countries.  Dialogue is a crucial aspect of building peace. We bring people together to help them better understand their differences and resolve them peacefully.

Find out more at www.international-alert.org

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