Art for Amnesty: Gatekeepers of Truth
1,304 views · Published 14 April 2015 · 2:01 · Indexed 29 October 2026
Channel: Amnesty International USA · 2015 · Nonprofits & Activism
Art for Amnesty seeks to harness the creativity, commitment and support of artists of all disciplines in major global projects and initiatives for the benefit of Amnesty International and the cause of universal human rights. The fact that artists have historically supported Amnesty International is hardly surprising, given that Amnesty was founded to work for the release of persons imprisoned for the non-violent expression of their opinions. One of the first Amnesty International’s “prisoners of conscience” was the Angolan poet Agostinho Neto. And it is no coincidence that artists of all disciplines have been at the forefront of support for Amnesty International since its founding in 1961. Artists worldwide know that the freedom to express themselves is the ‘sine qua non’ of their art. Throughout the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s major art events and concerts were organized in many different countries, involving globally recognized artists in major concerts and productions. Hundreds of writers, playwrights, musicians, and poets persecuted and imprisoned for their art have been adopted by Amnesty International as Prisoners of Conscience. Artists have always valued the freedoms and rights that Amnesty works to protect as an integral condition of their creative expression. Artists can join our global campaigns, be advocates and campaigners for the cause of human rights and support Amnesty International in major events. A flagship event for the global human rights movement is the Ambassador of Conscience Award, Amnesty International’s most prestigious award given to individuals who have shown exceptional leadership in the fight to protect and promote human rights. Previous winners include Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Vaclav Havel, U2, Peter Gabriel, Mary Robinson, Malala Yousafzai and Harry Belafonte. Re-launched in the US on March 21, 2015, Art for Amnesty has a proud history of providing creative support and influence for human rights since its founding in 2002. It is now entering a new phase of global outreach, establishing a broader and more diverse group of artists speaking out on behalf of Amnesty International. Join the conversation: Twitter: @ArtForAmnestyUS Instagram: @ArtForAmnestyUS #ArtForAmnesty
