NEWSThe 8 Campaign: A Groundbreaking Art Initiative Aiming to Free American Hostages
This initiative, known as 'The 8 Campaign,' seeks to generate awareness and inspire action through striking art installations across Los Angeles.
Aug. 16 2024, Published 9:00 a.m. ET
In the wake of the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, Israeli artist Tomer Peretz and Free Our Hostage campaign founders Andrea Brown and Angelica Lauriano have embarked on a powerful mission to highlight the plight of eight American hostages still held captive in Gaza. This initiative, known as "The 8 Campaign," seeks to generate awareness and inspire action through striking art installations across Los Angeles. It began on August 8 and ran the course of 8 days – each day dedicated to a different hostage.
Peretz, who witnessed the work of Zaka in his youth — a group dedicated to dignified treatment of victims — felt a deep-seated need to act following the recent horrors. His goal was clear: to use art not just as a medium but as a vehicle for restoring humanity and provoking conversations. “In a world where facts often take a back seat to emotions, the power of narrative reigns supreme,” Peretz explains. He believes that art and imagery can transcend traditional news cycles, sparking curiosity and dialogue that might otherwise be stifled.
Distinct from many modern campaigns that flood social media with content, The 8 Campaign opts for a more grassroots approach. Peretz explains that amid the noise of digital platforms, meaningful engagement can be drowned out. By focusing on physical installations rather than social media, the campaign aims to inspire people to seek out more information and engage on a deeper level. This approach has already seen significant success: installations have sparked intense public interest, with people stopping, gathering, and discussing the meaning behind the art.
The Role of Andrea Brown and Angelica Lauriano
The campaign’s visual impact is amplified by collaborations with Brown and Lauriano, who have brought their unique perspectives and creativity to the project. Brown and Lauriano, known for their impactful work in social justice through art, were drawn to Peretz’s initiative after seeing his previous work at an art exhibit. Their involvement has added an extra layer of depth to the campaign. They’ve designed elements like hoodies and art installations that boldly feature the "FREE OUR HOSTAGES" message, ensuring that it remains prominent and impactful.
Brown and Lauriano emphasize that their design choices are intentional, with striking visuals meant to capture attention from afar and provoke questions. They believe that their work in this campaign is a continuation of their advocacy efforts, aligning perfectly with their mission to raise awareness and drive action.
The 8 Campaign installations are strategically placed in high-traffic areas across Los Angeles, from coffee shops to busy streets, to maximize visibility.
The 8 Campaign installations are strategically placed in high-traffic areas across Los Angeles, from coffee shops to busy streets, to maximize visibility. This approach has not only fostered public discourse but also built a sense of community and collective responsibility. Volunteer support for The 8 Campaign has been overwhelming, reflecting a strong communal drive to address and rectify the ongoing crisis.
Looking ahead, Peretz, Brown and Lauriano plan to expand the campaign to other major cities, hoping to spread their message nationwide. They envision a continued push for awareness and action until the hostages are freed. The 8 Campaign’s success underscores the power of art in advocacy, demonstrating how creative expression can drive change and mobilize communities towards a common goal.
The campaign is a testament to the strength of collective action and the potential of art to effect social change, making it a powerful movement worth following closely.
The campaign is a testament to the strength of collective action and the potential of art to effect social change, making it a powerful movement worth following closely.
