Initiative launches with three open source prints in English and Spanish from Studio Number One
LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti today launched the L.A. Mask Print Project, a grassroots initiative to remind Angelenos to wear a mask in public through open-source art in collaboration with local artists and businesses. This effort kicked off with three commissioned posters in English and Spanish produced pro-bono by Studio Number One, a Los Angeles creative studio founded by Shepard Fairey.
“Los Angeles is a creative capital where dreamers from around the world come to innovate and create — and we are harnessing that spirit to save lives during this public health crisis,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The L.A. Mask Print Project will help us reach even more people with a clear message: when you wear a mask, you stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone healthy and safe.”
Studio Number One designed the launch posters pro-bono and granted the City of Los Angeles license to distribute the artwork for non-commercial use. The City will work with local small businesses to distribute the posters throughout the city. Residents and business owners are encouraged to download and print the artwork for display in their windows as a way to inspire one another to wear a face mask whenever they are outside their home, and build grassroots-level support for this simple but life-saving act.
“In addition to being one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, wearing a face mask is also a sign of respect and selflessness,” said Shepard Fairey. “We are focused on the safety of our communities and wearing a mask shows your commitment to fighting COVID-19 together.”
The L.A. Mask Print Project will continue to grow in the coming weeks, with additional artist collaborations becoming available for download on the City’s coronavirus website. Anyone interested in participating in this campaign to use public art for the public good, should reach out to garcetti.reply@lacity.org for more information.
"As Mayor Garcetti has emphasized, it's crucial that we create clear, engaging messages about mask use and other strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles," said Christopher Hawthorne, Chief Design Officer in for the City of Los Angeles. "And who better to help us in that effort than the city's artists and designers?"
Mayor Garcetti has frequently reached out to L.A.’s creative community to awaken and encourage civic responsibility. The Mayor’s office partnered with creative agencies 72 & Sunny to launch the All In for L.A. PSA to encourage Angelenos to stay safer at home, and with Omelet to launch the Save the Drop water conservation awareness campaign. Previously, Mayor Garcetti launched a voter registration competition at local high schools with musician Billie Eilish and collaborated with local makers, artists and musicians to boost local creative small business and manufacturing in L.A. through the L.A. Original program.