Berlin-based project The Solar Panel Art Series have teamed up with renowned artist Olafur Eliasson’s Little Sun Foundation for a series of benefit auctions that will raise funds for a Solar Schools Program in Rwanda.
The unique project takes used solar panels and commissions artists to repurpose them as canvas for original works. For this auction, 18 internationally acclaimed artists have created pieces, including Felipe Pantone, AKTEone, Ron Miller, Katrin Fridriks and more. The artworks were on during at Berlin’s Tech Open Air, and now they are available to bid on worldwide via the auction site Paddle8.
In Rwanda, many school children are living off the energy grid. This deprives them of access to clean and reliable light, and often results in the need to use dangerous kerosene fuel lamps for lighting. In fact, according to the World Bank there are one billion people worldwide who lack access to clean and sustainable energy. Most of the proceeds from the sales of the artworks in the auction will go towards Solar Schools Program in Rwanda. This will provide invaluable help to children living in these conditions, improving their lives and wellbeing.
Using art to both raise awareness and generate financial support for this cause is laudable and essential. Eva Brandt, Head of The Little Sun Foundation said “Energy poverty is a global issue, but most people don’t know there are over 1 billion people who do not have access to clean and affordable light. The Solar Panel Art Series is a great example of how art can engage people to think about global togetherness and take action. We share the same mission. Together we can bring light and energy to school children in Rwanda and spread sustainable energy around the globe”.
The artworks are available for bidding on Paddle8 until June 29.