Fine Art PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Fine Art PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Artists Join the Global LIVESTRONG(R) Movement in the Fight Against Cancer With Two New York Exhibitions

LIVESTRONG is honored to announce that 25 world-renowned artists have donated their time and creativity to support the global fight against cancer and the 28 million cancer survivors around the world through two New York exhibitions this fall: STAGES, hosted and curated by Nike, and It’s About the Bike with support from Trek. These exhibitions unite the world of art, philanthropy and sport by bringing together some of the most critically acclaimed talent from today’s art world to produce work inspired by Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG founder and chairman, cancer survivor and champion cyclist, and his efforts to reduce the global cancer burden. All work is available for purchase with proceeds directly benefiting LIVESTRONG.
“Each of these artists gave their time to this cause, and, because of their generosity, they will help LIVESTRONG continue to inspire and empower people affected by cancer,” said Armstrong. “Through the dollars that we raise, we’ll increase awareness, fund research and work to end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face.”

“There is a compelling connection among art and sports and philanthropy,” said Mark Parker, Nike President and CEO. “I also believe that we can leverage that connection to help people in the cancer community who need it most — survivors, their families and supporters. So, earlier this year Lance and I announced a new attack on cancer around the world. We call it STAGES.”

STAGES, which premiered at the Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin in Paris during the Tour de France last July, will be open to the public at Deitch Projects, Oct. 31-Nov. 21, before culminating at Art Basel Miami Beach in December. STAGES features art by Cai Guo-Qiang, Rosson Crow, Jules De Balincourt, Dzine, Shepard Fairey, Futura, Andreas Gursky, KAWS, Geoff McFetridge, Yoshitomo Nara, Catherine Opie, Os Gemeos, José Parlá, Raymond Pettibon, Lari Pittman, Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, Tom Sachs, Kenny Scharf, Eric White, Christopher Wool, Dustin Yellin and Aaron Young. For more information, visit www.stages09.com.

In addition to STAGES, Fairey, KAWS, Nara and Scharf join Damien Hirst and Marc Newson for It’s About the Bike, an exhibition featuring the seven bikes ridden by Armstrong in his 2009 comeback season. The bikes, donated by Trek, will be on exhibit at Sotheby’s, Oct. 26-31, and will be sold at a private auction on Sun., Nov. 1. The event is by invitation only and enquiries can call (512) 279-8356 for more information.

“After announcing his return to professional cycling, Lance told me of his desire to link the best contemporary artists working today with Trek in an effort to raise awareness and generate funds to benefit LIVESTRONG,” said John Burke, Trek President. “We responded by providing each selected artist with consultation to describe fabrication possibilities based on our custom-formulated coatings. And the end results speak for themselves: beautiful bikes with a mission.”

“Sotheby’s is excited to support Lance Armstrong and LIVESTRONG in the fight against cancer,” said Jamie Niven, Chairman of Sotheby’s, North and South America, and It’s About the Bike auctioneer. “On a personal note and as a great admirer of Lance and his mission, I look forward to conducting the auction on his behalf.”

Additional information for It’s About the Bike is available at www.livestrong.org/sothebys.

About LIVESTRONG

At LIVESTRONG, we fight for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. There can be — and should be — life after cancer for more people. That’s why we kick in at the moment of diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. We find innovative ways to raise awareness, fund research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face. We connect people and communities to drive social change, and we call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Anyone anywhere can join our fight against cancer. Join us at www.LIVESTRONG.org.

About Nike, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.

About Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s is a global company that engages in art auction, private sales and art-related financing activities. The Company operates in 40 countries, with principal salesrooms located in New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris. The Company also regularly conducts auctions in six other salesrooms around the world. Sotheby’s is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BID.

About Trek Bicycle

Trek Bicycle is a global leader in the design and manufacture of bicycles and bicycling-related products and accessories. From Tour de France-winning road bikes to tricycles designed to introduce the next generation of riders to the possibilities of pedal-power, Trek has a bike for nearly every rider. More than a bike company, Trek is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from using bicycles more often for daily transportation, recreation and inspiration, believing that the bicycle can be a simple solution to many of the world’s biggest problems, including obesity, traffic congestion and climate change.