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May 19 2020 
By Manuel Charr
No fewer than fifty artists responded to a call from the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam in The Netherlands to create an image or artwork to provide comfort to local people during the Coronavirus crisis.
The artists were inspired by the title of the project ‘for you, from me’ and by the Coronavirus itself.
Artist Aldo Hoeben literally made a “cup of comfort”: a cup of coffee, while Jacques Tange’s chose to put a cat on his poster who could offer comfort. Theo Gootjes drew human and bird figures. It is his commentary on the coronavirus that jumped from animal to human. Without a corona, the solo exhibition with Gootjes’ political drawings could now be seen in the museum. The doors of the museum have been locked since mid-March.
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam paid the artists for their work, supporting them at a time when many artists have no work.
Director Deirdre Carasso was overwhelmed by the number of participating artists. “So nice to see how many people use the power of imagination to offer comfort.”
You can see all fifty posters here.
Fantastic, fun, inspiring and positive Poster?
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam made the posters available to their local community, offering to send up to three artworks in either A3 or A2 format to anyone who requested them. The result was posters displayed in windows across Schiedam and further afield.
Some posters are also available as a postcard. You can order a set of ten at €15 excluding shipping costs and in this way provide extra support to the artists. Send an email to jessie@stedelijkmuseumschiedam.nl.
About the author – Manuel Charr
Manuel Charr is a journalist working in the arts and cultural sectors. With a background in marketing, Manuel is drawn to arts organizations which are prepared to try inventive ways to reach new audiences.
