Cycling great Lance Armstrong and Nike have teamed up to bring to New York City, STAGES, a global, thematic art exhibit aimed at raising worldwide awareness and funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation in the fight against cancer. The exhibit unites the worlds of art, philanthropy and sport in a unique celebration of human potential. Open to the public, it will be on display at New York’s iconic Deitch Projects for three weeks from Saturday, October 31, through Saturday, November 21. Prior to the public opening of STAGES, Nike will host a private reception at Deitch featuring Lance Armstrong and Nike Inc.’s CEO & President, Mark Parker. “Through STAGES we are able to celebrate the strength of the human spirit while also continuing to shine a spotlight on a much needed cause which is the fight against this terrible disease,” said Lance Armstrong. “By using the passion that is both in sport and the creative arts, STAGES unites us to take on a cause that has arguably affected every household either directly or indirectly.” Launched this past July during the Tour de France at Paris’ famed Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, STAGES was inspired by Lance Armstrong’s athletic accomplishments, struggle, and heroic triumph over cancer. Comprised of more than twenty original works of art that range from painting, to sculpture, to art rendered bike frames, STAGES features some of the world’s most accomplished and promising international artists. All artwork on display as part of STAGES will be available for purchase with proceeds directly benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. “Stages brings a new voice to the LIVESTRONG message,” said Mark Parker, CEO & President, Nike Inc. “We’re combining the fight against cancer with sport and art to inspire and create a larger community.” Artwork from New Yorkers and legendary artists Eric White, KAWS, José Parlá, Tom Sachs, and Cai-Guo Qiang will be on display along with pieces from world-class artists Ed Ruscha, Richard Prince, Catherine Opie, Christopher Wool, Dzine, and Rosson Crow. Adding to the collection for the first time will be paintings from NYC legendary graffiti artists Futura and the Brazilian artists Os Gemeos, also known as “The Twins”. Rounding out the exhibit will be a sculpture by Dustin Yellin. By bringing together a diverse pool of artists from all walks of life, STAGES, is a testament to the devastating connection the disease has with many and how that connection can both confront and inspire through art. Nike continues to be a long time supporter of both Lance Armstrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, creating the yellow wristband in 2004, which gave global visibility to the foundation. To date there are over 70 million bands that have been worn by supporters throughout the world. Following its stay in New York, the STAGES art exhibit will conclude with a stop in Miami in early December as part of Art Basel Miami Beach. See more at Nike and Lance Armstrong “STAGES” Art Exhibition in New York City © Staff for Hypebeast , 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us Post tags: Art , Events , Lance Armstrong , Nike , Stages