About the Initiative
Artists for Climate started as an open call for digital illustrations, graphic design, lettering art and typography by TED Countdown, in collaboration with Fine Acts. The initiative – which launched July 1, 2021 – sought awe-inspiring designs that depict a hopeful future around climate change, or have a clear message around the urgency for actionable change.
The purpose of the open call was to build a unique collection of open-license art about climate change. The project received 2,222 submissions by 1,432 artists from 95 countries.
Our esteemed jury, including prominent artists and climate change experts, selected 50 illustrations to receive a licensing fee for inclusion in The Climate Collection on The Greats (a unique open-license visual vault by Fine Acts) and the chance to be featured across TED and Countdown platforms and at the Countdown Summit in October 2021. Furthermore, 46 additional Finalists and 54 Honorable mentions were announced.
In addition, between 2021 and 2024, we also held 22 creative bootcamps around the world, further engaging over 160 artists to create for change, and bringing in hundreds more works into the collection.
All of these outstanding works are published online under a Creative Commons license and are available to climate groups, campaigners, and educators to use and adapt non-commercially, in order to shape the climate conversation.
“Communication is one of the key pillars in the fight against climate change. How we articulate the impact of climate can make or break public opinion, and the ripple effect is seen throughout culture, business, education, media, and more. Together with Fine Acts, we’re pleased to be able to provide climate communicators with free resources to illustrate both the global impact of climate change and the solutions that make us hopeful.”
Logan McClure Davda, Head of Impact at TED
Powered by the global creative community, The Climate Collection of open-license art is meant to serve as an invaluable resource and tool for activists, grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and citizens to use in their communications and campaigns about climate change awareness.
