Art of Compassion Project

2016 Media Kit

Introduction

The Art of Compassion Project is an international art collective that aims to support the

compassionate lifestyle of veganism by donating 100% of proceeds from various art projects

to non-profit vegan organizations. Currently, the Project is supported by 75 artists from 18

countries and continues to grow. Thus far, the Project has published two annual art

calendars, coordinated an online art auction and crowdfunding campaign, and is in the midst

of a dining-out cards project. The Art of Compassion Project is currently developing its

namesake book, a collection of interviews and images from animal advocacy artists across

the globe.

This media kit serves to engage and inform vegan and animal advocacy publications, as well

as potential sponsors and supporting artists.

All inquiries can be directed to:

Leigh Sanders, Founder

Art of Compassion Project

+34 658 850 331

leigh@artofcompassionproject.com

www.artofcompassionproject.com

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Table of Contents

Introduction i

Executive Biography 1

Vegan Life Magazine Article 2-6

Barefoot Vegan Magazine Article 7-15

Past + Future Projects 16

Supporting Artists 17

FAQ for Artists + Volunteers 18

Sponsors 19

ii

Executive Biography

Leigh Sanders is a passionate vegan who founded the Art of Compassion Project out of her love for art and her desire to effect change for animals. She said, “I believe art is powerful in its gentleness. It presents itself honestly and openly, allowing the viewer to take as little or as much as they are ready for from it.”

Due to a physical disability, Leigh had to get creative with her advocacy efforts and one thing led to another until the Art of Compassion Project was born.

The Project aims “to raise funds through various art projects and donate 100% of the profits to vegan non-profit organizations, while opening the minds and hearts of people to animals and the global benefits of veganism.”

Currently, the Project is supported by 75 artists from 18 countries and continues to grow. Leigh’s dream is for the Project to become a collaboration between animal advocacy artists worldwide and to support as many non-profit vegan organizations as possible in the years to come.

In reflecting on the impact the Project has already had, Leigh said, “I have seen how these artists have started feeling more determined and motivated to use their art as a form of activism. This emotion, commitment, and enthusiasm is tangible in their work.” An artist herself, Leigh also aspires to develop her own style of advocating for animals through her paintings.

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Over the years, vegan art has blossomed into a rapidly expanding community, with an abundance of artists producing powerful pieces depicting the harsh reality of slaughter and

promoting veganism. After becoming an ethical vegan in 2014 and witnessing the growth of this art, Leigh Sanders put together The Art of Compassion project in hope of effectively and successfully promoting the cruelty–free message in addition to helping others transition.

The project is an international art collective involving work from vegan artists from all over the globe and across every continent. Leigh spoke to Vegan Life all about her work. “The project initially started off as an idea I had for an art book as a way to raise funds for Veganuary.

Having a physical disability limited me in terms of hands–on activism, so I decided an art book featuring vegan artists would be the perfect solution as I could work from my computer. I spent weeks on the internet searching for vegan artists, emailed them with my idea for the book and had a positive response. Once I set up a Facebook page to discuss the book, one thing led to another. I received many lovely messages from artists and I started thinking, ‘Why not make this into something bigger, something that won’t just end when the book comes out?’ The initial idea just grew and grew into what is now an ongoing project.”

Upon starting ‘Art of Compassion’, Leigh knew exactly what she wanted to achieve. “To begin with, I wanted to build a strong international network of vegan artists that all share the same vision–to use their art to spread the vegan message. I also wanted to effectively use the art as a means of touching people’s hearts and opening their mind to living life the vegan way,” she says. “Sometimes we can be surprised just how much a painting, poem or piece of music can affect us. Art speaks to the soul even when the mind doesn’t quite grasp what’s being said.”

The collective also aims to raise funds through various art projects

A collection of artists spreading the vegan message through art

ART OF COMPASSION PROJECT

“The project is an international art collective involving work from vegan artists from all over the globe and across every continent.”

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and donates 100 per cent of profits to a variety of vegan non–profit organisations. “There is no specific method of choosing which organisations we donate to. Veganuary was close to my heart (they helped me switch to veganism), which is why we started with them. This year we are raising funds for Viva! they do brilliant investigative work as well as running a youth programme. We will also be helping to raise funds for a small sanctuary in France called ‘Barefoot Vegan Farm’ that is just starting out. Ideally, the plan would be to donate to at least one large and one small organisation every year,” she says.

When starting the project, Leigh didn’t think the idea would receive as much recognition as it has. “I am thrilled with the response so far and really hope the project will continue to grow,” she says. “Currently we have over 70 ‘member’ artists involved in the project from all across the world; Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. We are heading towards 5,000 Facebook likes and the number grows daily.”

Since 2004, the growth of social media has been near exponential. Social media allows companies to ultimately reach more customers and it has been advantageous in allowing Leigh to network, promote and interact with such a large audience base. “Social media is an incredible tool–reaching out to as many people as possible through a variety of platforms is the smart thing to do. Considering our artists are based all over the world, social media has played an important part in the running of the project. We can stay in contact with one another and announce upcoming projects and events to our supporters. It’s definitely been a process of trial and error, we’re learning as we go in terms of what works and what doesn’t,” she says. Eventually, Leigh is hoping to get as many creative people involved

with the project as possible from a variety of all art forms. “Not only painters, but also sculptors, musicians, visual artists, writers, graphic designers, photographers, jewellery designers, etc.,” she says. As far as Leigh is concerned, there would be no trouble getting future artists to participate as the member artists already involved are generous with their time and art. There was never any issue with getting them on board as they believed in my vision from the start.”

When working on a project that involves such an expressive form, Leigh always asks the artists to submit their own work. “Depending on the ‘project’ we have going at the time (we are now working on Project seven), the artists are asked to submit artwork specifically for that project–so what they choose to share really is up to them, as long as they meet the project specs,” she says. With such a vast array of incredible artists already involved that feel very passionately about their work being used to further the cause, the overall mix of >

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art is extensive and eclectic. “I believe that there is so much variation in the art we have, there is sure to be something that will appeal to everyone.”

To date, Leigh and the Art of Compassion have produced two vegan calendars, had a crowdfunding campaign which offered perks like art postcards and Giclée art prints and an online auction in aid of Veganuary. “In April, we also partnered with VeggieWorld Paris and exhibited the work (printed on stretched canvas) of 27 of our artists, which was really amazing–all that art together in one place,” she says. When looking to the future, Leigh promises this year there are some fun projects in the pipeline. “At the moment we are working on a pack of ‘dining–out’ cards which will be on sale from mid–June which feature some fabulous artwork. They’re those little cards you can leave at a restaurant to thank them for offering vegan options on the menu. The cards will be available to buy online in a variety of languages (including Spanish, French and German) and the proceeds will go to Viva!

“Our long awaited art book will be coming out towards the end of summer too–featuring the work of nearly 100 vegan artists. You’ll be able to purchase the book on Amazon and proceeds will go to Veganuary–as I mentioned this was the initial idea that got the whole project started, it’s just taken a lot longer than I’d imagined to finish. It’s incredibly exciting that something I have worked so hard on is almost available for people to buy.”

How can people get involved?We would really appreciate your support! There are a couple of things you could do; follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and tell your friends about us. You can still buy our 2016 calendar (and get 25 percent off). Join us as a ‘member’–either as an artist or volunteer, there’s more info about that on our website. Finally, support our current projects and keep up to date with events. Facebook: Art of Compassion project Twitter: @aocprojectInstagram: artofcompassionprojectartofcompassion.com

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Nov/Dec 2015 ISSN 2058-9840

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CONTENTS 8 WHAT YOU’RE SAYING

Your letters to the editor

10 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

News round-up

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

16 The Slow Beauty Movement

With Shel Pink

20 Natural Beauty

Kate Duggan on her favourite natural beauty

products

24 Angelicious

Gifts made with love from Trinity’s Conscious

Kitchen

FRONT COVER The Minimalist Vegan: We spoke

with Masha and Michael, the creative

force behind The Minimalist Vegan

website to discuss why choosing to

live a simple vegan life can be a

beautiful life.

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44

28 Rawfully Simple

Getting started on a raw food diet with nutriciously

36 A Beginner’s Guide to Ayurveda

With Nicola Haston

40 365 Tiny Love Challenges

We meet Tiny Buddha’s Lori Deschene

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54 Embrace Your Possibility

Why modern medicine is so limited with Dr. Laura

Koniver

58 Gotta Have Faith

We talk to Valerie McGowan on how Christian teaching

supports a vegan lifestyle

ANIMALS

66 The Art of Compassion

Creative vegan activism through art

72 Victims of Charity

Animal Aid’s campaign to stop medical animal

experimentation

78 Speaking up for Sea Life

With Gwen Stanbrook

MOTHER NATURE

84 Real Food: The Sustainable Way

With Lee Watson

89 Fundraising for a Better World

How to use crowdfunding to support your initiative

94 The Moneyless Manifesto

Chapter extract from ‘The Moneyless Manifesto’ by Mark

Boyle

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Art The

of Compassion

Karen Fiorito - ‘Buddha Pig’ Page 10

There was such an incredibly overwhelming response

that the initial idea just grew and has become The Art of

Compassion Project. It's my aim to raise money for at

least one different vegan non-profit each year. This year

we have focussed on Veganuary through various

projects”.

The Art of Compassion Project’s logo was designed by

Argentinian artist Francisco Atencio and symbolises their

mission, which is to promote equality and compassion for

all animals.

As part of this year’s activities, Leigh organised a

crowdfunding campaign with the aim of creating

awareness for the artists involved. The perks included

postcards, Giclèe prints, stickers and Veganuary

wristbands. The campaign managed to raise £575 for

Veganuary. An online art auction was also held, which

raised a total of £214.80. A 2016 vegan art calendar will be

available to purchase on the website, and the art book is

due for release in April 2016 and will be on sale-

riginally from South Africa, Leigh Sanders has

spent the past 14 years on the idyllic Costa

Brava in Catalonia, Spain with her husband.

She became vegan nearly two years ago following a period

of time as a vegetarian and a series of serendipitous

events. She became vegan for the animals and in July this

year she switched to a raw vegan lifestyle which has

improved her health in ways she'd only ever dreamed of.

The Art of Compassion Project

The Art of Compassion Project started off as an idea Leigh

had had for a vegan art book. After the charity Veganuary

helped her switch to veganism, she was so impressed by

the support Veganuary gives people wanting to go vegan

(or at the very least try vegan for the month of January)

that she decided she wanted to raise funds for them.

“I have a physical disability which forced me to find a

way to become an activist from my desk. I love art, so I

started thinking about combining art and veganism. One

thing led to another and the idea for the book was born.

O

67 | BarefootVegan Page 11

Dana Ellyn - ‘Dinner Time’

Jade Monica Bello - ‘Nymph with the fox’

Philip McCulloch-Downs - ‘Happy Cows’

68 | BarefootVegan Page 12

Twyla Francois - ‘Wilbur’

Lynda Bell - ‘Forest Girl’

Paula Menetrey - Maribeth

69 | BarefootVegan Page 13

internationally on Amazon. All profits from the sale of

the book will go directly to Veganuary.

In order to find the artists and be able to create the

book, Leigh initially contacted vegan artists through a

Google search. She was then introduced to others

through the artists she'd contacted and it snowballed

from there. The artwork includes sketches, paintings

in acrylic, oils, watercolours, collage, pastel work,

pencil drawings, photography, digital art, installation

art, soft sculpture, and fabric painting from 100 artists

spread all across the world and over every continent,

many of whom are keen to participate in future Art of

Compassion projects.

“It's my hope that a person will be able to pick up the

art book, leaf through the 200 images and be touched

by at least one, if not more of them and to then really

reflect on the message behind the image and question

their personal choices; whether to eat meat, consume

dairy, wear fur, take their children to zoos, buy

products that have been tested on animals.

“I believe art is powerful in its gentleness. It presents -

BV

itself honestly and openly, allowing the viewer to take as

much or as little as they are ready for from it.”

The Art of Compassion Project has also been approached

by Veggie World Paris to participate in their expo in April

next year. There will be more details on that on the

website as the time draws nearer. Leigh also has a couple

of other ideas in the pipeline, including a project aimed at

children and of course their yearly vegan art calendar and

online art auction.

Leigh is always on the lookout for any vegan involved in

the arts; visual, music, writers, jewellery designers, fashion

designers, photographers, poets, etc., to join the project.

Volunteers with a passion for veganism are also most

welcome to get in touch with Leigh via email.

To find out how you can support the project visit the Art of Compassion website and connect via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Leigh Sanders - ‘Someone, not something’. 70 | BarefootVegan Page 14

Yvette Watt - ‘Offerings Series’. Page 15

Past + Future Projects

Project 1: 2015 Vegan Art Calendar

In support of Hillside Animal Sanctuary, the AOC raised £319,29 through its inaugural vegan art calendar project.

Project 2: Crowdfunding Campaign on Chuffed

In support of Veganuary, the AOC raised £357,20 through a crowdfunding campaign that ran from July to August 2015. Perks included a variety of art reproductions from postcards to giclee prints.

Project 3: Online Art Auction

In support of Veganuary, the AOC raised £214,80 through an online art auction in August 2015. Listings ranged from serigraphs to acrylic paintings. A total of four pieces were sold.

Project 4: 2016 Vegan Art Calendar

In support of Veganuary, the AOC produced its second annual vegan art calendar. As of May 2016, a total of £214,68 has been raised.

Project 5: Art of Compassion Book

In support of Veganuary, the AOC is developing its namesake book, a collection of interviews and images from animal advocacy artists across the globe.

Project 6: VeggieWorld Paris Art Exhibition

While this was not a fundraising event, it raised awareness of the Art of Compassion Project and its mission.

Project 7: Dining-Out Cards

In support of Viva!, the AOC is coordinating the production of dining-out cards. The goal is to provide vegans with a simple and engaging way to thank restaurants for offering vegan options. With these sets of dining-out cards, vegans will be able to leave behind not only a message of gratitude, but some positive animal advocacy art as well.

Available online at: http://www.printerstudio.com/sell/TheArtofCompassionProject

For more information on our past and future projects, please visit our website:

www.artofcompassionproject.com

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Supporting Artists

Aisha Eveleigh – UK Amanda Moeckel – USA Angela Hughes – Australia ArtAnimalAffect – USA Asta Lander – Australia Atara Schimmel – USA Avery Muether – USA Bonnie Leeman – UK Brittney West – USA Cameron O'Steen – USA Catalina Plaza – Chile Cathy Stevens Pratt – USA Chantal Poulin – Canada Charlotte Drene – New Zealand Chelsea Dub – USA Christian Abbel – Germany Craig Norcross – USA Dana Ellyn – USA Danielle Kyle – England Dianne Schnieders – Canada Dóra Zambó – Germany Duchelina Dove – UK Elinor Nhaissi – Israel Emma Letessier – France Emmy Amers – UK Evelyn Suttle – Ireland Florence Wong – USA Francisco Atencio – Argentina Gabriele Esau – Germany Gem Crombleholme – England Geoff Francis – England Glenda Rose – England Hartmut Kiewert – Germany Heidi Huovinen – Finland Jacqueline Barden – USA Jade Monica Bello – Italy Jane O'Hara – USA Javiera Mora Valle – Chile Jessica Goodall – USA Joachim Sohn – Germany Jo Hanna – Australia Judyta Mierczak – Poland Julia Beutling – Germany

Karen Fiorito – USA Karen Lyttle Cooper – Australia Kit Jagoda – USA Kristina Krize – Spain Leigh Sanders – Spain Louis Gedo – USA Lynda Bell – New Zealand Malin Frick – Australia Marco Ferra – Italy Marcus Pierno – USA Mari-anne Jacobsz – South Africa Marina Hébert – Canada Maritza Oliver – Canada Mary Britton Clouse – USA Matt Sesow – USA Mellissa Tracy Bushby – South Africa Michelle Waters – USA Mika – Singapore Monica Garone – Italy Morgan Campbell – USA Nerea Martinez de Lecea – Wales Nicola McLean – Scotland Nuria Fustero – Spain Pascale Salmon – France Paula Menetrey – USA Paula Rusquellas – Argentina Philip McCulloch-Downs – England Raffaella Cosco – Italy Raj Singh Tattal – UK Robbie Nuwanda – USA Roland Straller – Germany Ruth Killoran – New Zealand Sabine Andrae – Spain Sara Sechi – UK Sarah Jane Hardt – USA Sarah Stupak – USA Stephanie Valentin – France Tanja Hassel – UK Tori Lion – Canada Twyla Francois – Canada Verite Mora Valle – Chile Yvette Watt – Australia

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FAQ for Artists + Volunteers

Do I have to be vegan to participate?

Yes. You either need to be vegan or veg-turning-vegan to participate. We want our artists

and volunteers to be living the compassionate lifestyle that the Art of Compassion Project

encourages.

Do I have to participate in every project?

No. You can participate in one project a year, a few of them, or all of them. It’s up to you! We

know you are busy and we appreciate any involvement you can afford.

Is participation location-dependent?

No. Most of the projects are online, so you can easily participate from anywhere in the world.

Do I have to be a visual artist, or can I be a musician or performer?

At the moment, all of our projects are visually-based, but we’d love to hear any music or

performance ideas you might have!

What kind of volunteers do you need?

Whatever your skills or talents might be, we are sure to find something for you to do! Some

ideas include writing, editing, graphic + web design, social media management, and event

planning + coordination (remotely or onsite).

How do I get involved?

Send an email to leigh@artofcompassionproject.com with a little blurb about you

and how you’d like to get involved. We’d love to have you on board!

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Sponsors

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