Covid-19 Versus Artists 4 Israel
Mural by Kobra
In the beginning of March, the world was a very different place. Presence of “the virus” in the US was known, but general concern for the safety of the East Coast was few and far between.
In Washington, D.C. on March 2, during AIPAC’s Policy Conference, Artists 4 Israel (A4I) was preparing to share its story in front of 18,000 people. As the CEO, Craig Dershowitz stood on stage, he shared the organization’s unconventional and fascinating origin story; one of extreme circumstance, action and resilience.
It’s been 10 years since the founding of A4I. Since then, 3,000 cases of PTSD have been prevented, 800 murals have beautified bomb shelters in Israel and more than 200 survivors of terrorism have been helped to heal through art.
In a post Covid-19 world, A4I’s mission is has never been more relevant, its goals more ambitious or its impact on quality of life more real. While the challenges are different, the familiarity of extreme circumstance that served as the organization’s crux has compelled it, once again, into a new chapter of action and resilience.
Covid-19 is attacking all of us. Here's how A4I is fighting back:
Hosting Powerful, Virtual Experiences
Artists 4 Israel refuses to run Boring zoom programs. Instead, we carefully curate ones worthy of our name. Whether it’s for the campus Hillel or your synagogue, A4I hosts virtual programs designed to bring us closer together, inspire creativity and spread the love for Israel. Our programs are PARTICIPATORY, INTERACTIVE, CREATIVE AND REACH OUT TO A YOUNG, PROGRESSIVE AND DIVERSE AUDIENCE.
Just to name a few:
Uncovering Banksy
“Banksy” has been the world’s first thought when discussing graffiti or street art. Learn Banksy’s growth as an artist, apolitical voice and his trajectory towards supporting Israel - all due to the efforts of A4I..
HaStickerot
Fighting rape, assault and violence through art. Never before seen photos, behind the scenes video and exclusive interviews with the anonymous Israeli “Sticker Women” who are using art, like A4I before them, to show strength and create social change.
Estevan Oriol’s Israel and Its People
Estevan Oriol’s (of Netflix’s LA Originals) extensive portfolio juxtaposes the glamour and grit of LA urban culture, featuring portraits of famous athletes, rappers, gang bangers and A-list celebrities. Oriol’s striking photography of Israel and its people, done in his trademark Los Angeles street style, shows the country we love in a brand new light. These never before seen photos were being saved for an exclusive gallery show but, due to COVID, are now being shared online.
Check out our full list of programs here.
Bringing Amazing Art Projects to the US
While Artists 4 Israel is known for bringing the world’s most famous graffiti and tattoo artists to beautify and better communities in Israel, or jet setting to places like Indonesia and South Africa to create giant pro-Israel works of art, Covid-19 has left us grounded. We’re turning our attention to uplifting communities across America in the name of Israeli creativity, resilience and beauty.
Healing Ink Las Vegas - Helping Survivors Of the Route 91 Music Festival Shooting
Healing Ink covers the physical and emotional scars of survivors, victims’ families and First Responders to violence. We help heroes reclaim their bodies and continue to heal in body, mind and spirit. After hugely successful missions to Israel, New York and Virginia Beach, the Healing Ink program just returned from Las Vegas and is discussing next stops.
Hospital Projects - “Thank You” Murals
Together with our partners, Artists 4 Israel erects giant vinyl “thank you” murals directly outside of hospitals in New York and LA expressing gratitude and appreciation for our frontline workers. These murals, designed by world class graffiti artists, are visible as staff enter, and nurses and doctors at each location are sent home with free prints of the artwork as they exit.
Interested in bringing Artists 4 Israel to your community? Please contact us.