Icelandic charity The Benefit Society of Children With Disabilities has launched its ninth Globe of Goodwill project – this time spearheaded by Yoko Ono, and titled “Draw Your Own Map.” The project sells hand blown glass ornaments decorated by Ono and celebrated Icelandic artists.
Credit/Copyright: Consulate General of Iceland
Ono herself made the announcement at a crowded Reykjavik Art Museum in Iceland on October 11, encouraging the audience to do what they can to make the world a better place. Being nominated to head the yearly Globe of Goodwill project, which dates to 2003, is in itself an honor. Every year the Globe Of Goodwill is awarded to a worthy role model whose work has challenged traditional values and views, inspired others to think differently, and bettered the lives of their fellow citizens and society as a whole.
“Yoko Ono is a distinguished artist… more so she is a citizen of the world – reaching across borders and frontiers and challenging the traditional boundaries of art – and of life itself,” said Eva Thengilsdottir, master of ceremonies at the event. “Yoko’s passion in her quest for world peace has inspired us as well as millions of others. We are humbled by her courage and stamina and truly honored by her support.”
No two globes are exactly alike, and have been designed in the past by artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Erro, Gabriela Fridriksdottir, The Icelandic Love Corporation and Katrin Sigurdardottir. They range in price from about $37.75 to about $71.30. Purchases can be made at www.theglobeofgoodwill.com until December 19th, 2011.
Proceeds will benefit Camp Reykjadalur, a summer camp run by The Benefit Society of Children with Disabilities for children and youngsters aged 6 to 25 with mental or physical disabilities. Approximately 200 mentally or physically challenged children from all over Iceland come to Reykjadalur every year. The camp was established by The Benefit Society in 1963 and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013.
Ono had previously worked with the City of Reykjavik to construct the Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island just off Reykjavik harbor to commemorate her late husband, John Lennon. The tower shines a vertical column of light into the night sky each year from October 9, Lennon’s birthday, to December 8, the date of his death and on selected other dates throughout the year.
