In a bid to assist independent venues during the pandemic, renowned street artist Shepard Fairey has designed three special covers for FLOOD Magazine’s 160-page Action Issue. Proceeds from print sales of the magazine will benefit the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).
“I was honored to create this issue of FLOOD’s cover art, which is meant to inspire action and hope for the future. I’ve been a longtime fan of the magazine, and in the spirit of making the future, I also felt it was important to help #SaveOurStages by donating to the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund,” said Fairey in a release.
One of the three covers will be sold as a special limited edition art print autographed by Fairey. Proceeds from the print will also benefit NIVA.
NIVA was formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shuttered the majority of music venues since mid-March. The non-profit organization’s Emergency Relief Fund will go to independent music venues struggling to make it through nationwide shutdowns.
“We are grateful to everyone at FLOOD and Shepard Fairey for helping to #SaveOurStages. The money being raised for the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund will bring much-needed support to independent venues and promoters that are in dire positions,” said NIVA co-founder and executive director Rev. Moose. “A world without independent live events is one that would lack in creativity, diversity, and new perspectives, all things that FLOOD has prioritized for years.”
The special issue was created in partnership with guests editors and artists including Fairey, H.E.R., Cordae, David Byrne, Vic Mensa, Michael Stipe, Patti Smith, Nicholas Braun, Flaming Lips, Rain Phoenix, Dem Jointz, Dinner Party (Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, Terrace Martin), Danny Clinch, Michael Lavine and more.
The issue additionally includes conversations with organizations like Rock The Vote and HeadCount about 30 years of mobilizing voter registration through the power of music, as well as with artists and venue owners across the country.
“As independent-culture focused journalists, it is important to tell the stories that may not be told by mainstream media, resulting in a large part of the country remaining unaware of the indelible contributions many creators in the arts are making in an attempt to help make things better in their communities, raise awareness on troubling issues, and a myriad of national and global causes in between,” said FLOOD Magazine co-publisher and editorial director Randy Bookasta in a release.
Fairey added: “Music is the heartbeat of my work, it inspires me daily both sonically and lyrically. We can all remember the shows that shaped us, and the spaces where we experienced them, and I urge you to do what you can to support our independent venues so that many more generations can find their space too. Thanks for caring, and get your copy of FLOOD NOW!”