“BNE has arrived!” – well that’s what the stickers tell us. What stickers? If you don’t know, then you either don’t live in any one of many big cities around the world where they are now officially everywhere, or you just don’t get out very much.
These BNE stickers have become the centre of a baffling worldwide “who dunnit” involving stickers, and graffiti in an ever increasing number of well known international destinations. Living in Tokyo, we have noticed these stickers are appearing more and more, and more interestingly continue to be replaced even after authorities remove them! They are distinctive and all feature black, block characters, on a white background, and while having a number of variations, all deliver the same message that BNE is here. What is BNE is here to do? That is still anyone’s guess, and apart from his adhesive efforts, there has been little influence on anything other than people’s puzzled faces when BNE is the topic of conversation.
“B-N-E”: the three letters stand for what has become an international mystery. From Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur, New York to Prague, and now Tokyo and Osaka, the acronym has been plastered on phone boxes, walls, newspaper dispensers, vending machines, parking meters and street signs. When the culprit becomes tired of stickers, he (we refer to BNE as a he, as he often refers to himself as “King BNE”) switches to spray paint, and even permanent marker. San Francisco has been plagued with the stickers since early 2006, and the mayor, Gavin Newsom is absolutely furious. He has made several news appearances promising to prosecute Mr. BNE to the extent of the law, and has even gone so far as to offer a reward of $2500 USD (almost JPY 30 men) for his capture. One estimate has it that the BNE stickers alone are costing the city of San Francisco $1 million USD a month to keep under control, as a futile effort to remove them continues while the mayor vows to stick at it, and catch the meddling vandal. The obvious, but sad fact is however, that the stickers are many times more costly and time consuming to remove than they are to put in place.
So, what does it all mean? Theories are bouncing around the web, and even have had air time on international news networks. Some ideas for the acronym (despite being lame efforts) are, “Be Nowhere Else”, “Big Nuclear Explosion” and “Breaking ‘n’ Entering”. However, there is still no definitive answer to the puzzle that has police in at least 6 nations running wild goose chases for the vandal that is spreading an unknown message to tens of millions of people around the globe. (BNE is also the 3 letter international location code for Brisbane, Australia. It is also the name for an Israeli music production company called BNE (standing for “Brand New Entertainment”). However it would be extremely disappointing to learn that this code that has stumped us all for over a year now, amounted to nothing more than the Sunshine State’s capital city, or a local music company in the holy land).
San Francisco police first noted the menace in May 2005, but since then, BNE has gone worldwide, and has an overwhelming presence here in Tokyo only in the last 6 months, with stickers now visible in every nook and cranny of each of the major city centers of Tokyo, even extending out to the suburbs. The BNE revolution (as some call it) has drawn so much attention here in Japan, that it has been featured quite regularly in the media also. This is a short clip, from the news, on location in Tokyo. The reporter finds BNE presence in Akihabara, Shinjuku, Shibuya and even Harajuku and Omotesando! (The clip is in Japanese, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying it):
[youtube]-IdSriLjS6c[/youtube]
We at Stippy.com also conducted an independent BNE sticker hunt in Shibuya on the weekend, and found around 50 separate areas defaced by BNE stickers (see gallery below for the best specimens), and that was only searching for some fifteen minutes.
Shibuya must certainly be one of the most highly concentrated BNE areas in Tokyo – it is hard to open your eyes and not see them. The phone booth pictured on left (click to enlarge) was looking particularly worse for wear, with almost every glass panel bearing the repetitive BNE symbology.
American news stations believe BNE is from Japan, due to the fact that the acronym is regularly displayed with the Japanese word 参上 (Sanjyo, meaning “arrived” or “is here”). However, it could simply mean “BNE was here” (as amateur spray paint graffiti vandals often like to let us know), using the Japanese word for the same to deepen the wild theories that so many are brewing, and seems to be working well so far to that end.
Interestingly enough, there was quite a widespread computer virus that infected computer systems around the world soon after BNE started “arriving” that contained the three letters “BNE” in its name (Win32.Rbot.BNE). There are many references on the Internet linking the sticker culprits, and the hackers behind the virus, but as expected, proof of it has not been ascertained.
There is only one explanation for BNE so far that is believable enough for me – that being the “Benet” theory. “Benet”, as he is known, is a “prolific” (the word most often associated with him) graffiti artist from San Francisco. Allegedly, (as in the picture to the right), he writes his name in overdone bubble graffiti letters. The reason he is linked to BNE is that apparently he signs his graffiti with the block letter initials “BNE”. Although, the BNE stickers have become more widely known than his graffiti artwork, and he himself remains elusive to police, despite his popularity among cult graffiti artists. Benet is said to also have visited Tokyo a few times, around the same time when stickers started to appear on the streets here. One comment on a blog I visited recounts the writer having an alleged run in with Benet at Club Milk in Ebisu, where he was hanging out with the likes of several other “celebrities”. When the blogger approached Benet with comments of adoration of his work, Benet ignored him, and was “cold and rude” according to the post.
Whoever BNE is, he has carried out one of the most successful, low budget and viral brand recognition campaigns I have ever seen. What it is exactly that he wants, or is trying to tell us, remains in the dark… at least for now. Of his several different variations of sticker, some feature a halo and the number 1 as to the left, and as yet, these subtle symbols are as baffling to us as the three letters themselves.
We will update you with any more information we get on the BNE enigma, but if you know anything, please share it with us by leaving a comment below! In the meantime, enjoy the BNE Sticker collection below (All of were shot in and around Tokyo). Note the seventh image, which is a perfect example of BNE’s spray painted graffiti art in, showing how BNE often refers to himself as King BNE in his non-sticker adaptations. (Click on images to view larger versions):
Stippy.com BNE Sticker collection!
(Have some more good BNE images taken in Japan? Let us know via the contact page, and we will publish them here!)
SORRY TO RAIN ON THE PARADE OF ILLUSIONS AND DAYDREAMS, BUT BNE IS SHORT FOR “BENET” AND HE IS ONLY A RUN OF THE MILL GRAFFITI VANDAL WITH RICH PARENTS AND OBVIOUSLY NO LIFE AT ALL. DEVOTING YOUR LIFE TO PUTTING UP BORING PRINTED STICKERS ALL OVER THE WORLD SHOWS NO ART SKILLS WHAT SO EVER AND NO LIFE WHAT SO EVER. VERY PATHETIC.
PLEASE STOP THE AMAZED MYSTERY TALK. ITS VERY SIMPLE. ITS HIS “TAG” PRINTED ON A STICKER. ITS “BENET” SHORTENED TO INITIALS. HE IS FROM THE USA. HE IS ORIGINALLY FROM MASSACHUSETTS. HE RESIDES IN SAN FRANCISCO. HE WORSHIPS ANOTHER GRAFFITI LOSER KNOWN AS “MQ”. HE WANTS HIS APPROVAL. HE TRAVELS WITH HIS PARENTS MONEY. HE HAS NOTHING BUT FREE TIME. HE IS TALENTLESS. HE IS PATHETIC. NO RESPECT.
THERE IS NO MESSAGE. THERE IS NO MYSTERY. ITS VERY BORING AND LAME. ITS A LOSER WASTING HIS LIFE AWAY.
In that case, maybe it stands for Bored ‘n’ Estranged.
the watcher is obviously a low level graffiti artist seriously jelous of the fame and attention that mr.bne is getting.all that emotion in your comment shows that bne is constantly on your mind.
you should be cheering him on not dissing him because youre insecure and irelevant.
BNE’s website bneone.com has moved to http://www.bne.cc
When Benet was born his parents tried to sue the condom company for defective merchandise.
He puts up stickers because of his deep feelings on inadequacy. Sorry BNE, you’ll never be the man your mother is.
If he has twice the talent, he’d still be a no talent tagger.
Benet picked up tagging because there was nothing else to do at night when his mom would kick him out of the house so she could get on her knees and lay on her back for the customers who could come over.
Actually, Watcher is right…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21705618@N00/24590822
SILLY PPL IN TOKYO it is of course the all mighty BLISS N ESO – BNE we have these Stickers all over Australian also and if you think it is anything else think again.
Bliss N Eso – They are currently in Canada touring I bet they find many BNE stickers there also.
My Guess is they travelled with a Graff artist and made the stickers to promote them selves and the guy gets to put up heaps of stickers around the world.
http://www.blissneso.com/
Good point chris. It makes sense, but then again it could mean anything.
I’ve been seeing the stickers around Melbourne for the past 6 months or so & they are everywhere. It’s amazing how someone can get a message around the world through stickers.
I have total respect for the person/people behind these.
BNE
são paulo – BRAZIL
He is all over amsterdam as well.
I love it! keep up the good work, come visit amsterdam soon again!
peace
So Much Anger Built Inside…
mad props to king BNE !
.
his sticker and throwie alsoo seen in jakarta-indonesia
.
come and visit us king..
BNE is the code for Brisbane Australia. I used to see these stickers floating around there in 2001-2002. Well before being spotted worldwide.
http://www.BNE.org
THE TRUE STORY
ABOUT THE” BNE WAS HERE” STICKERS
AROUND DA WORLD
With the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street, 2011 is proving to be a year of radical change. And “All-World” graffiti writer BNE, who has plastered his simple B&W Helvetica stickers everywhere from New York to Kuala Lumpur, is no exception. In a seemingly mysterious U-turn, BNE earlier this year launched the BNE Water Foundation, an organization helping impoverished children all over the world gain access to clean water. To satisfy our curious minds at 12oz and all over the world, we decided to sit down and get serious with BNE about his graffiti and his philanthropic ambitions for the future.
What inspired the sticker campaign? Stickers have been around for a long time, but the way you used them completely changed the game.
I have always thought that stickers were an effective tool but never had the time or patience to do thousands of tags on stickers by hand. I started going hard on stickers because I was in Tokyo catching tags and I thought that there were probably only a couple hundred people in the whole country that could read those tags. I figured if I simplified it into something very legible, I could capture the attention of millions of people instead of hundreds or thousands. Since I was a young kid I have always been attracted to block letters and legible graffiti. The stickers were designed to catch the maximum amount of attention but once I got going I wasn’t doing it for fame. It became addictive and I enjoyed walking. Putting up 400 stickers for me is like walking a dog or doing yoga. It relaxes me and I like being out in the streets. Even though the whole sticker thing developed naturally and they didn’t really influence me to do it, I do have to give props to Cost and Revs. They were the first to go hard with Helvetica font labels on a local level in the 90’s. Mad props to those guys.
So lets talk quantities, how many BNE stickers have been put up around the world and in how many different countries?
Hundreds of cities. Thousands of neighborhoods. Hundreds of thousands of stickers.
Has the attention your stickers received always been positive?
No, they seem to anger some people. I overheard someone in a bar talking about BNE stickers so I asked him what was up with them, for some reason he really hated them. He said they were everywhere and were destroying the city. That particular city was flooded with Pepsi stickers and posters. I asked him what he thought of the Pepsi labels being everywhere advertising unhealthy products to children. Strangely the Pepsi stickers didn’t seem to bother him. I think the anger comes from people’s minds being penetrated by a logo that they do not understand. I don’t think it’s always about it being “vandalism”. People are assaulted by so much corporate advertising that they have grown numb to it. The corporate logos are still very effective and make their way into our subconscious but they do not stay on your mind or make you angry. The fact that BNE can create such an emotional reaction and capture so much attention is what has fascinated the advertising world.
How were you first introduced to graffiti?
Just seeing it on the walls when I was young and wondering, “who did that?”
That “Who did that?” mystery can leave a strong impression. Was trying to get everyone to ask, “What is BNE?” one of your strategies?
No. As strange as it may sound, even though I designed my graffiti to reach a large amount of people, I never actually thought about how people perceived it. It was all very selfish and there was no big plan, I was just doing my thing. The first time I heard “What is BNE?” was on the news. I was seeing “What is BNE?” so much that I started to ask myself the same question. Eventually I realized that it could mean whatever I wanted it to mean, and that not to use it for something more would be a waste. Now I know that I can use graffiti to communicate with millions of people and advocate important issues as well. Graffiti truly is the voice of the people.
And this eventually led to the idea for BNE Water? What is the main purpose of the foundation?
Yes. BNE Water Foundation’s primary objective is to provide people living in poverty with access to clean water and sanitation. There is a huge difference between charity and social justice and flicking a coin at someone in need changes nothing in the big picture. That is why we are also attacking the root of the problem and educating people on the real reasons why poverty even exists. This project is designed to function like a Swiss army knife and achieve multiple objectives from a single platform. Provide people with clean water, wake up brain dead consumers, unite artists, promote peace and positivity, fight ignorance and racism, protest war, inspire people to start caring, promote independent business and social entrepreneurship, the list goes on and on.
The number one thing BNE Water Foundation stands for is the TRUTH. Individuals and companies use all kinds of marketing schemes to sell their ideas, products and services. Most brands are in the business of selling dreams and fantasies. We are in the business of reality, so our marketing strategy is to simply tell the truth about everything. This is going to piss off a lot off people but it has to be done. I haven’t spent thousands of hours on the streets creating a name for it to be used as some bullshit “charity”.
How do you think the BNE Water Foundation will affect the graffiti world?
I have always thought it was a shame that due to egos and stuff, graff writers had never united and all worked together to use our form of media to say something together. Something meaningful. Then I thought, never mind just writers, it would be amazing if all artists around the world united to not only say something, but to make a change. BNE and our online gallery is a platform to make that happen. As far as having an effect on the graffiti world, this project was also designed with the intention of pumping a little realness back into our culture. Graffiti has been commercialized an diluted to the point that its become a joke. I can’t standby and watch this any longer.
It still seems like a there are tons of writers that are painting and keeping it real. How has graffiti been diluted?
No doubt. There is and hopefully always will be a lot of people putting in work out in the streets. They are the ones that hold graffiti culture down. Graffiti is diluted by corporations and companies using it to make a profit. Tobacco companies, soft drinks, perfume etc. They use graffiti to push their products and when they snap their fingers, many of us are quick to run and deliver them our culture on a silver platter.
Does BNE Water have the potential to change what it means to be a graffiti writer? Do you see kids studying branding and funding strategies instead of practicing throw-ups and tags?
Every writer is engaged in branding and marketing to some degree, sometimes without even knowing it. I don’t think it will change what it means to be a graffiti writer but hopefully it will remind people of what being a graffiti writer once meant. Every generation gets softer and softer, with the Internet and limited edition drippy corporate collabos a lot has been lost. Graffiti and what you see on the walls is the voice of the people. A writer is an outlaw who risks their freedom to express themselves and make their voice heard. A writer is not a clown on a corporate stage; real writers are on the rooftops, in the streets and in the tunnels. Tags and throw ups let the system know that we are not mindless obedient serfs. Do I aim for people to stop doing throw ups and write nothing but political slogans? No, of course not. Tags and fillins are the essence and I hope they always exist, but hopefully writers will realize that it’s also possible to advertise something beyond their own egos. The main point of this project though, is not to change what it means to be a writer; it’s to change what it means to be a human being and to encourage everyone to step their game up.
Do you hope that people will start asking themselves “why am I doing graffiti?”
Yes, that’s part of the plan. Everyone should understand why they do, what they do. Also to know what it is that you actually stand for, if you stand for anything at all. Not to understand yourself and your own actions is foolish.
Why will graffiti writers, a group of people defined mostly by criminal activity, support something with such a positive message?
Just because someone engages in what is considered to be criminal activity doesn’t mean they are indifferent losers who will not stand up for what’s right. Many real writers have already stepped up and offered their support. This is taking graffiti beyond shouting, “Fuck the system!” We are taking matters into our own hands and changing the system. Every single writer on the planet needs to support this project. If not, you really should not even be doing graffiti.
Why will someone with no background in your work, or graffiti in general, support a “vandal” with large sums of money? What guarantee can you give to the general public?
First of all it’s not about people giving us large sums of money. People can donate whatever they can afford. $20 can provide someone with clean water for decades. We are planning to be at the forefront of transparency. Through photos, video and GPS, supporters will be able to track every penny. As time goes on, anyone with a brain who looks closely at what we are doing will eventually feel more comfortable donating money to this movement than to the Red Cross and those sort of organizations. It’s not always about money though; you can use your art, influence or power to spread the word. Donate a tweet or blog post, whatever you can spare. The biggest donation you can make to this movement is to take a look at yourself in the mirror and make small changes in yourself.
How will you respond to your critics who say “BNE is a savvy marketer, this us just another PR stunt”?
PR for what? My own ego? If this was a one-time charity art show or something it could be considered a PR stunt to launch an art career. I am not interested in an art career or validation from the art world and have no plans to ever profit from this. I’ve circled the globe many times and already have everything I need. This is permanent and is what I will be doing for decades to come. I’m disgusted by what we have become as people and I now have the time and money to do something about it. It’s not completely selfless because I do get something out of it. I feel good helping people and I enjoying spreading the truth.
Have you ever felt guilty about your graffiti?
Not really. I’m not going to be a jerk and catch a flooded mop tag over a neighborhood restaurant’s menu or etch bath some poor old lady’s bakery. I’m not a teenage punk getting a thrill out of destroying people’s property. One time however in Spain a friend of mine did a fillin on an old cement wall. He went a little to big and the end of his outline went onto the edge of a freshly painted yellow house. Just as he did that the door opened and the owner popped his head out.
As he asked why we were painting on his house his wife appeared with a newborn baby in her arms. He told us that he worked two jobs to be able to afford that house and to feed his family. I felt guilty about that spot. That wasn’t cool.
What got you started on doing graffiti overseas?
In my late teens two friends and I were making some money and we decided to take a trip overseas. It was a crazy adventure and I really enjoyed it. On the way back I was looking at the map in the in-flight magazine and thought, “Its on. If we made it way out here, we can go anywhere.” Taking a few trips turned into becoming a full-blown nomad.
Did traveling help you discover the potential behind BNE?
Traveling opened my eyes to what is really going on in the world. Its not about the potential in BNE, its about the potential in graffiti, art and all of us as human beings.
Do you think the USA is still the best place for graffiti?
Personally I’m not a big fan of the strict American laws toward graffiti. Not that I’ve ever been arrested but still you know. Speaking of the law, I should mention that it has been over 7 years since I’ve done graffiti in the U.S. and any BNE tags or stickers are the work of copycats or over enthusiastic supporters, which I have no control over. BNE Water Foundation and affiliated companies are not responsible for any acts of vandalism whatsoever.
Do you support Occupy Wall Street?
I think it’s great that people are out in the streets protesting. Americans are a lot softer than people in other parts of the world when it comes to things like this. The banks and government are also to blame and it’s very easy to point fingers at them but we the people are to blame too. The minute someone protesting corporate greed walks over and buys a coffee from Starbucks they become a hypocrite. We allow these corporations to thrive. Without the support of consumers no corporation can exist. Americans have no money because nothing is made in the USA, everything comes from China and everyone shops at Wal-mart. The 1% has all the money because the 99% keep giving it to them. Don’t get wrong though, that fact that tax dollars are spent on war and banks are straight up stealing money is unacceptable. I support Occupy Wall Street but I’m not about to camp out with a cardboard sign. I can make a bigger contribution by utilizing my time in other ways, inspiring people to change themselves, their behavior and consuming habits. Much love to everyone Occupying Wall Street but don’t forget to occupy a mirror too. You are also to blame. Protest human greed, not just corporate greed.
Can you break down how the foundation will survive? What is BNE’s take on commerce?
We raise funds three different ways. Artist from around the world are donating artwork, which we will be selling in our gallery online. Supporters can also donate cash. We’ve designed it so that 100% of donations will only fund actual water project costs. Never for salaries or overhead. Even paypal and credit card fees are covered separately. The 3rd way is through commerce. We will be selling high quality, made in the USA, BNE branded products. 100% of profits will fund water projects and our expenses. This is a way for people to support by simply buying something that they would normally buy anyway. The whole commerce aspect is also to challenge people to start thinking about what they are buying and whom they are actually giving their money to. BNE products being in the streets and shops will also spread the word even further. Shop owners will be able to make money and support our cause at the same time. In addition to other products we will also be selling a line of extremely high quality inks and markers, every single graff shop owner who reads this should contact us. I also need writers to spread the word and demand that your local shops support by carrying our products. Thinking before you buy is a revolutionary act. By supporting independent businesses you are putting money back into the hands of the people. Stop supporting frauds and sell-outs and start supporting truth.
What is included in the your expenses? Will you be publishing the salaries for members of the BNE Water Foundation? Yourself included?
We will be publishing an extremely detailed annual report, which will have a complete break down of all expenses and financial data. Our expenses are extremely minimal compared to western NPO’s and will include transportation to the field, website maintenance, etc. A friend’s uncle owns the office we currently use in Jakarta, we only pay electricity. Most of our staff is based in Jakarta and work for free as volunteers. We even have our own microbiologist who generously donates her time. Under Indonesian law, board members of a NPO cannot receive salaries. They can only be compensated for their transportation to and from work and meals. There is definitely no $600,000 Red Cross CEO salary or 1.2 million dollar Unicef salary. We will have to hire more office staff later but a good salary in Jakarta is only a few hundred dollars a month. Our friends Ega and Mayu have volunteered their Japanese translation and writing skills. Filmmakers and photographers have also volunteered their services for free. As I am not even legally connected to the foundation and don’t really need the money I will not be taking a salary. All salaries and expenses however will be published. As I said before, 100% of donations will fund only actual water project costs such as cement and pipes.
Any final thoughts or Shout outs?
Shout out to all my fellow graffiti writers worldwide. I need every single one of you to support this movement. You owe it to your culture and to the streets to get involved and stand up for what’s right. Go to bnewater.org for more info. Donate if you can but definitely leave your email address or follow us on twitter so we can keep in touch.
TIE – KERSE – POKE – CHARLIE – R.I.P.
Peace!
BNE, whose made a name by sticking these three letters just about all over the World, was in Jakarta, Indonesia a while back, which has some of the poorest neighborhoods imaginable. While painting a wall he ran into an older woman who was curious about what he was doing and went on to say, “it must be nice to be able to just spray money into the air.” The encounter with this woman, sparked what is now BNE water, a non-profit organization. Graffiti works in mysterious ways. Check out bnewater.org for more info and more about BNE’s beginning into the water fight here.
B.N.E. – “BEST NIGGA EVER”
Hello,
As many of you know, since early 2011 we have been working really hard to launch the BNE Water Foundation (known as Yayasan BNE in Indonesia), a non-profit organization like no other. To get this far, it has taken almost eight months of bureaucracy, a lot of hard work and about $50,000. We are now an official NPO and this is the start of what I feel is a true platform for real social change. Much like graffiti in its purest form, this is something real and very raw that was born in the streets.
Many generous artists including Estevan Oriol, Sabe KST, INSA, Shepard Fairey and others have come on board, they are among the first to have donated artwork. People have also started to support by donating cash and buying sticker sets which is much appreciated. What bothers me is that I have been hearing many people say things like, “That’s really cool what YOU are doing” or “good luck with YOUR project.” This disturbs me and makes me think that most of you really do not understand my intentions. I have funded this project for the most part by myself and will continue to do so for as long as it takes, but this is not something that I can do alone. I am simply donating my name, ideas, time and money to set this off. This was never meant to be MY project, this is something for the people. My intentions were to create something that everyone could participate in, and something that everyone could benefit from. I CANNOT DO THIS ALONE. The most I can do is give all of you the platform and opportunity to create something truly revolutionary. Without all of you, this will not work.
I have spent more than 15 years doing graffiti full-time for no pay, and like many of you I have no plans of ever stopping. Throughout my graffiti career, I have never felt the need to speak or do interviews, anything I needed to say could be expressed on the walls. In order to get all of you to act, and to become a part of something that benefits both our culture and society, it has become necessary for me to speak out. None of you will ever know what I’ve been through in order to travel the world, do the amount of graffiti that I’ve done and to be able to present this project to all of you. However, I think that through my visible actions over the years, I have proven to all of you my dedication to our culture and have shown you what I am about. Now, I would like to respectfully ask all of you, to show the world what we as a culture are about. Our culture was born out of rebellion and if any group of people is capable of igniting something truly revolutionary, it’s us. I would like to believe that we are about something more than ego, endless self-promotion and trying to make a dollar. Are graffiti and street art just empty visual commodities that have been co-opted by brands, corporations and institutions, or are we a culture that actually stands for something?
For our next project, we have promised over 100,000 people in an impoverished area of Indonesia access to clean water and sanitation. It will cost about two million dollars to complete this project. All types of artists and people from all walks of life are of course invited to be a part or this, but now I am reaching out to all of you specifically. I am asking graffiti writers and street artists to be the ones primarily responsible for changing these peoples lives. I have faith that I can rely on all of you to be the spark that blows this movement up into the massive force that I envision. We hope to start work on this project March 1st. If every single one of you decide to get involved after reading this, the entire project will easily be completely funded and you will have given us the much needed traction to move forward. I have always thought that it was a shame and a waste that we have never all united for a single cause. I am now presenting all of you with a chance to do that. I’m not sure how many graffiti writers, street artists, and fans of our culture are out there, but I assume we are in the hundreds of thousands at the very least. If we ALL come together, we can do on our own what our governments are failing to do. The fact that more than one billion people consider clean water a luxury is completely unacceptable.
Our goal is to raise at least $500,000 dollars before March 1st, but I believe that we are capable of raising the full two million dollars or even more. When united in large numbers, the power of the people is massive. With everyone’s support, achieving this goal will not be very difficult.
We are 100% sure to succeed if EVERYONE gets involved by doing the following things:
1. EVERYONE needs to make a cash donation. $5, €10, ¥1000, what ever you can afford, the important thing is that EVERYONE donates something. A $10 donation x 50,000 people is $500,000 dollars. This is enough to provide 25,000 people with clean water and for us to really get the ball rolling. At least 95% of you can afford to donate $10, so please make a donation and get two friends to do the same. Again, in order for this to work, EVERYONE needs to donate something. I don’t care if it’s one dollar or a coin, donate something and make sure you get someone else to do the same.
2. Spread the word. This is very important, please start by forwarding this message to other writers, street artists and fans of the culture. If you have a blog, Facebook or Twitter account please use them to spread the word.
3. If you are an artist who sells your work, please donate a piece to our gallery and get two friends to do the same.
Sadly, if enough of you disregard this message and choose to do nothing, then we will have shown that the world of street art and graffiti is made up of indifferent, selfish individuals who could not be bothered to help change the world. We will have failed in more ways than one. If EVERYONE gets involved, then we will have shown the world what true revolutionary actions look like. We will have also changed over 100,000 thousand lives in Indonesia, and jump started a true global movement for social justice.
4,500 children die everyday from water related diseases. These forgotten children are putting our culture to a test.
Let’s do this!
DONATE HERE and PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO OTHERS.
Sincerely,
-BNE