BANP #001

On December 4th, 2010 over 150 people gathered in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago for BANP #001 – an evening of art, film and music to benefit the Not For Sale Campaign in their fight to end modern slavery.  The night began with a silent auction of 27 pieces of artwork by Chicago artists, representing the 27 million+ slaves worldwide.  As people mingled and bid, enjoying wine and desserts, local band Canasta set the mood with their orchestral pop vibe.

Throughout the evening, speakers from Traffick Free, Hope for Chicago, Buy Art Not People and The Prop talked not only about the current state of modern slavery, but also about a growing worldwide abolitionist movement and the power of art to effect change.  Central to the evening was a screening of the Oscar-nominated short film “Kavi,” about a young boy trapped in slave labor.  All the information and statistics connected as together we watched a small boy, enslaved to make bricks all day, struggle between his forced identity and his desire for freedom, for schooling and to play like normal boys.

That evening not only did we raise $2000 through ticket sales, art proceeds and donations, but over 150 people gained a new and deeper awareness of the atrocity of slavery and child labor.

Thank You

In less than two months time, Buy Art Not People went from a few ideas jotted on scrap paper to a successful event, helping to raise awareness and resources in the fight to end modern slavery. This first event was a success because it was a shared success. Enough people believed and committed to the idea that through art, we can make a difference and because of this Buy Art Not People was born.

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We would like to thank everyone involved, including our  artists, partners, volunteers and especially the guests that came to enjoy art, learn about our cause and have a good time.

In the process of preparing for BANP #001 we have seen the value of a diverse group of people believing in a common objective, how that gives momentum to a cause and empowers not just individuals, but movements. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in the success of our first event in the hopes of helping to empower people in slavery and make their freedom a reality.  BANP #001 was truly something WE have all achieved together.

Thank You – The BANP Team