The first-ever FIFA World Cup™ to be hosted on African soil will focus the world’s attention on the continent with greater intensity than at any other time in modern history. This concentration of positive energy and Afro-enthusiasm provides the ideal artistic context for leading contemporary artists from around the world to create works inspired by the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ – the result is the 2010 International Fine Art Collection.
Five leading contemporary artists are being invited from each of the 32 countries that will qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ to participate in this project. Each artist is being invited to interpret the same theme, drawing inspiration from Africa, the FIFA World Cup™, and their country’s own national pride, in the style of their choice.
From each original image a series of a further 210 (to link to the year – 2010) archival pigment ink prints on cotton paper will be produced. Each of these prints will then be numbered, labeled as Official Licensed Products of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, signed in original by the artist, and sold. The collection will be extremely exclusive, with only five originals and a total of 1050 prints available from each of the 32 participating countries. 160 artists. 160 original works. 33,600 prints. 32 nations. One truly global sporting event.
In cooperation with our international gallery partners, the complete 2010 International Fine Art collection will be launched in April 2010 through 32 concurrent global exhibitions in leading art cities around the world, accompanied by a major global marketing and media campaign. For at least two weeks in art venues of the highest order in cities like London, Rome, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, New York and Johannesburg, fine art and the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ will capture the attention and imagination of the world.
The inclusion of artists and their work in the International Fine Art Collection is based upon the qualification of representative countries into the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tournament. As this list will change until mid-November 2009, when all 32 countries have qualified, the map of available countries and included artists will also continue to change frequently. Please visit our site often to view country qualification updates, the works of participating artists, and more information on upcoming events in the International Fine Art collection.