Most eye-grabbing headlines in the art world seem to revolve around the economics of art. Whether it’s a Picasso nabbing a record-breaking offer at auction or a priceless piece vanishing from a museum in a daring heist, the monetary value of artworks fascinates us.
Some criticize the massive prices paid out for rare works as obscenely decadent. It’s easy to forget, in a world where a painting can represent an investment of millions, the more idealistic side of art, where beauty and ideas reign supreme.
"Butterfly," Shae Detar. Painted photo, 18" x 25.6"
Curators for a Cause, a new organization co-founded by Monica Watkins, Jaci Berkopec and Erica Simone, is doing its part to counteract the wealth obsession of the art world. “We created CFAC for the purpose of utilizing art through various media and business efforts in order to create positive social change, while developing funds for our philanthropic platforms and partner charity organizations,” Simone told The Huffington Post via email. Curators for a Cause makes use of its co-founders’ artistic and curatorial skills to curate and sell art to benefit their charitable partners.
“The three of us are all deeply inspired by the arts and driven to giving back to society in general -- more specifically to supply children from underserved communities around the world with various educational, creative and therapeutic platforms,” explained Simone. Curators for a Cause partners with nonprofits such as Housing Works and Beauty for Freedom.
"White Desert," Erica Simone. Archival photographic print, 28" x 24"
Though CFAC is not a registered nonprofit itself, Simone told us, “With each profitable endeavor, proceeds are attributed to our various platforms and non-profit partners … More times than others, we have allocated 100 percent of the profits to charity.” There’s no percentage or set minimum of proceeds designated for charity after each sale, at least as of now. “As long as we cover costs and are able to pay staff, we are happy to allocate most of the remaining funds to our organizations in need,” she said.
CFAC also offers a platform to artists, especially those interested in using their talents for the greater good. “As an artist I have always been involved with charity foundations,” artist Marco Gallotta told HuffPost via email. Gallotta donated all of the work he featured in CFAC projects, but also emphasized that they “realize that the artists involved in the projects play an important role.” Artists who don’t choose to donate do receive compensation for their work. "I have always felt supported by the organization," said Gallotta.
"Mendenhall," Anastasiia Sapon. Digital C print, 16" x 20"
The organization currently has several major projects in the works, including a trip to lead workshops on photography and music in the Dominican Republic in partnership with the Foundation for Art in Motion and an Art for Awareness billboard project set to feature social justice art (artists can submit their work for consideration until Aug. 1, 2015).
Though the cofounders of CFAC aren’t new to the world of art philanthropy, this organization is still in its infancy. Still, said Simone, they’ve found that “all that really matters is that our hearts are in the right place … our genuine love for children, humanity, teaching and giving back, coupled with our immense passion for the arts has graced us with amazing and fulfilling opportunities.” It’s at least allowed them to build a project that celebrates the joy of creating and being surrounded by art, instead of the potential financial rewards, and that’s an attitude the art world can benefit from.
"Boy With Machete," Marco Gallotta and Erica Simone. Digital C-print with paper cutting process, 12" x 18"
"Heavy Like Rain," Michael David Adams. Black and white archival giclée print, 20" x 16"
"Lightnings," Anastasia Samoylova. Archival pigment print, 24" x 36"
"Galaxy Trees," Jaci Berkopec. Metallic digital C-print, 17" x 11"
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.