The project unites artists for Ukraine and brings them on the empowering tour through three European countries. The artists will create a unique series of postcards from the different places they visit, fostering networking and new opportunities.
Proposal: Empowering Displaced Artists Through Meaningful Merchandise
Project Overview: The war in Ukraine persists, intensifying the need for artistic rebellion. Our initiative amplifies European artists’ voices for Ukraine by offering a unique artist residency opportunity. This program empowers artists to create a new conceptual body of illustrations inspired by the cities they visit while expanding their professional networks. The project culminates in a series of artistic postcards that narrate stories of migration, resilience, and cultural heritage. These postcards are distributed as meaningful merchandise through Airbnb, aligning with Airbnb’s mission to foster community, belonging, and cultural exchange while supporting displaced communities.
Key Objectives:
- Empowering Displaced Artists: Provide displaced artists a platform to share their stories and perspectives, transforming their displacement into an opportunity for professional growth.
- Empowering Female Artists with new opportunities.
- Cultural Exchange: Facilitate interactions between artists, hosts, and local communities in three European countries.
- Impactful Merchandise: Create and distribute artistic postcards as meaningful souvenirs for Airbnb hosts and guests.
Proposed Execution:
Phase 1: Artist Selection
- Publish an open call inviting displaced artists to submit postcard designs inspired by their migration journey and their aspirations for joining the project.
- Select three artists for the pilot phase based on artistic quality, storytelling potential, and alignment with the project’s themes.
Phase 2: Artistic Creation and Travel
- Each artist will travel to three European cities, spending five days in each location.
- During their stay, artists will create postcards inspired by the cultural and architectural essence of the visited city.
- The project will cover travel, accommodation, and artist fees.
Phase 3: Production and Distribution
- Use eco-friendly materials for the production of postcards.
- Include QR codes on each postcard linking to a website for the project with the artist’s story.
- Distribute the merchandise to Airbnb hosts to share with their guests as complimentary items or purchasable souvenirs.
Phase 4: Community Engagement
- Host mini-events in collaboration with local cultural organizations, such as postcard-signing sessions, workshops, or artist talks.
- Share the journey on social media and Airbnb’s platform to amplify reach.
Phase 5: Pilot and Expansion
- Start with a pilot phase covering nine European countries and three home countries.
- Scale the project based on feedback, incorporating additional artists, countries, and merchandise types.
Themes for Postcards and Posters:
- Resilience and Hope: Stories of overcoming challenges and building a future.
- The Concept of “Home”: Reflections on displacement and belonging.
- Cultural Exchange: Artistic interpretations of the cities visited.
Alignment with Airbnb Values:
- Community and Belonging: This initiative fosters shared humanity and meaningful connections, echoing Airbnb’s mission.
- Cultural Exchange: Guests gain deeper insights into the cities they visit while engaging with narratives of resilience and creativity.
- Empowering Displaced Communities: Airbnb’s support demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility and cultural preservation.
Impact and Sustainability:
- Guest Connection:
- Guests take home unique postcards signed by the artists that can be framed and hang on the wall at their home. The artwork carries deeper meaning and personal stories.
- Limited edition postcards become collectible items representing diverse cultures and personal narratives.
- Artist Empowerment:
- Participating artists receive fair compensation, visibility, and professional growth opportunities.
- Environmental Responsibility:
- Eco-friendly production methods ensure alignment with sustainable practices.
Additional Suggestions for Enhancement:
- Digital Expansion: Develop an online gallery or shop to showcase and sell the merchandise globally.
- Collaborations: Partner with refugee-support organizations and cultural bodies for audience reach.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Integrate AR features into postcards, allowing guests to access video messages or explore the artist’s creative process.
Conclusion:
This project presents a unique opportunity to empower displaced artists while enriching Airbnb’s cultural initiatives. By turning postcards into tools for storytelling and connection, Airbnb can create a meaningful impact on communities worldwide. This initiative not only celebrates artistic talent but also reinforces the universal values of resilience, belonging, and shared humanity.
