AMPL!FY is a public art and design initiative that partners artists and designers with non-profit organizations working on the front lines of social justice. Through these partnerships, the initiative aims to create thought-provoking posters on themes relevant to each organization. In addition to this exhibition at MAD, the posters will be publicly showcased on art display cases in Manhattan’s Financial District, on Water Street between Pine Street and Maiden Lane and on Gouverneur Lane between Water Street and Front Street, in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (DOT Art).
The goal of this project is to leverage the power of art and design to support and publicize the work of New York City–based non-profits addressing a wide range of social justice concerns. These organizations play a key role in protecting the inherent dignity of New Yorkers, helping the underserved to achieve their full potential and practice uninhibited expression of their rights. The work of these organizations is circuitous and challenging, and frequently lacks visibility.
Artist/organization collaborative teams featured in AMPL!FY include Morehshin Allahyari with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York; Gail Anderson and Joe Newton with Made in Brownsville; Seymour Chwast with the Vera Institute of Justice; DJ Spooky with 350.org; Rafael Esquer with Opening Act; Ryan Hartley Smith with Inclusion Collective; OCD | Original Design Collective with the Lower Eastside Girls Club; Lissa Rivera with Hetrick-Martin Institute; Edel Rodriguez with the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Education Fund; and Dread Scott with Revolution Books.
For more information about this project, visit amplifyjustice.org.
AMPL!FY is organized by Janeil Engelstad of Make Art with Purpose and Mark Randall of Worldstudio in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program, James King, Managing Director of Harlem Stage, and Danny Orendorff, Manager of Public and Community Engagement Programs for the MAD Education Department.
