Art for Democracy calls for support!

The Baku-based Art for Democracy campaign has launched a new fundraising campaign through the crowdfunding website Indiegogo. Art for Democracy is seeking contributions for an exciting new website that will support the promotion of human rights and democratic reform in Azerbaijan.

With 140 people currently in detention or prison for politically motivated reasons and an ongoing crackdown by authorities on the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, the human rights situation in Azerbaijan is alarming. The Art for Democracy campaign is seeking to counter this ongoing repression and improve the situation in the country by using art to promote human rights and democratic reform.

Art for Democracy is calling for donations for the development of a new, innovative website that will serve as a platform for Azerbaijan’s alternative artists to share their work, and as an interactive forum for Azerbaijanis to discuss human rights issues.

“In helping us to develop this website, contributors will be providing vital support for the promotion of human rights and democratic reform in Azerbaijan. The website will give Azerbaijanis a place both to access alternative art, and to discuss human rights issues that are important to our society”, said Human Rights Club Chairman and Art for Democracy Coordinator Rasul Jafarov.

Art for Democracy is developing the website with London-based design agency epitype, an ethical future company that uses design to build communities and enable social change.

“The site will take users on a journey through the key issues surrounding social justice and democratic reform in Azerbaijan. Regardless of their level of understanding, users will be able to engage with the issues facing Azerbaijan in an exciting, stimulating, and accessible way by discovering art, exploring the issues through reading and discussion, and contributing to the campaign by raising awareness through social media”, said epitype Creative Director Martin Roach.

The Indiegogo campaign allows supporters to make donations in any amount. For as little as £5, contributors can receive rewards such as digital music downloads and prints of artwork from alternative Azerbaijani artists. The fundraising campaign will run through 23 December.

“We are asking for help both through donations and in spreading the word about the crowdfunding campaign. Every donation, no matter how big or small, is a tremendous help”, said Jafarov.

Donations to support the development of Art for Democracy’s website can be made here.

Art for Democracy is a campaign of the Baku-based Human Rights Club, launched on 10 December 2012. Building upon the previous Sing for Democracy campaign, Art for Democracy seeks to use all forms of artistic expression to promote human rights and democratic reform in Azerbaijan.

For any enquiries, please send a message to artfordemocracy@gmail.com. For more information, follow Art for Democracy on Facebook and Twitter.