Art / robert del naja
Massive Attack’s 3D explains meaning of charity artwork
Robert Del Naja has taken the unusual step of explaining the meaning behind an artwork that he produced to raise money for the Bristol Food Union.
The Massive Attack member’s one-off print, Protection, sold 1,037 prints in ten days – raising more than £100,000 to feed frontline Bristol communities.
The success of the collaboration will allow Bristol Food Union to continue to supply free meals to some of Bristol’s most vulnerable people for a further six weeks.
is needed now More than ever
The collective of restaurants, food businesses and community organisations have now issued a joint warning that the project and its funding model must now be adapted if it is continue to ensure that those most in need of food are not abandoned as the pandemic peak is passed.
The Food Union now plans to take a dual focus: prioritising frontline communities across the city, where sudden changes in circumstances have led to a spike in food poverty and a huge increase in the use of food banks; and also ensuring that frontline NHS workers can still access nutritious, discounted food.
Protection by Robert Del Naja was only on sale for ten days – photo by James Koch
“I don’t normally do explanations, but as this was a public project, i’ll oblige,” Del Naja, also known as 3D, tweeted.
“The image is taken from MA sleeve art & was definitely designed to provoke discomfort…
“The word ‘Protection’ is the name of our second album, that won’t need explaining… unless one voted for the blue team and is looking forward to the private sector takeover.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAX6NODF_S1/
Bristol Food Union organiser, Aine Morris, said: “We’re thrilled with the success of our fundraising activities in recent weeks but government and regional councils now have an obligation to ensure their citizens can access good-quality, nutritious food at reasonable prices in the longer-term.
“We’re increasingly concerned about those newly affected by food poverty and believe that this group of citizens will only expand in the coming months.
“We urgently need to prioritise the delivery of a National Food Plan which ensures resilient UK food supply chains, and recognises the powerful role that the food and hospitality sector could play in helping to keep communities well fed.”
Robert Del Naja has helped in the kitchens of the Bristol Food Union during the coronavirus pandemic – photo by James Koch
Main images: Massive Attack
Read more: Calls to preserve vital support scheme for charities and social enterprises
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