Art for Assistants

 
Tim Tadder United States of Purple

Art for Assistants is a thoughtful and timely response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photography assistants are the often-unsung heroes who work side-by-side with many of our favorite photographers, and who, like many others, have had their work and their incomes come to an abrupt halt. Through the sale of their own limited edition prints, photographers can provide some financial support for their assistants during this uncertain time. 

Tim Tadder, started this movement because “I knew my guys would be going to zero income for at least a month, so I had to do something quickly to help them get by. I have images, ink, and paper, and I could mobilize my audience to provide them with financial support quickly. Within a week, I had reached my goal of $10k and, in the process, inspired five other photographers to join Art for Assistants, and I knew we had to keep this going. Many of our assistants are the next great photographers, and I can’t let them leave the industry for other jobs without doing all I can.”  Shaun Fenn

Shaun Fenn, an early participant, has been instrumental in getting the word out. “I think this is a fantastic idea and a way for us to give back and a way for you to obtain some beautiful artwork at a reasonable price knowing you’re also doing some good for some hardworking people.” The program requires a 100% commitment from photographers who participate. Each photographer agrees to sell a limited edition of 100, 11”x14” prints of their own work, for $100 each. They create their own GoFundMe page and then utilize their social media channels to get the word out using the #artforassistants hashtag. Photographers are responsible for the fulfillment of this project, including covering any costs for printing and shipping.

They also pledge to give 100% of the print sales proceeds to their assistants (minus the 3% for GoFundMe). Jason Lindsey Jason Lindsey, who has donated his aptly titled fine art limited edition print, “Renewal,” said, “I couldn’t do my job in any way, shape, or form without these assistants. They have carried gear up mountains at 2:00 am for a shot, they’ve crawled through ice caves at 30 below temperatures. My gratitude to everyone who contributed to “Art for Assistants” is immeasurable. I’m still stunned that so many, while dealing with social and financial issues themselves through this crisis, still found it in their hearts to extend a helping hand.  Paul Elledge added, “The freelance assistants in our business are the backbone of everything we do. And this time, with zero production, they have zero income. It’s time for us to step up and try to help them out. I’m selling a print from a series called “iPhone Once a Day,” which I’ve been doing for over ten years and has been exhibited internationally and domestically.

Freelance assistants need our help. Please give — we are all in this together.”  Photographers who want to take the pledge, and are in a financial position to cover the costs to be in the program, can contact Tim Tadder’s studio for help in setting up their GoFundMe pages and to get a list of resources for purchasing mailing tubes, glassines, and shipping labels. Photographers participating in this effort as of May 7, 2020, include: 

  • Erik Almas

  • Andy Anderson

  • Todd Antony

  • Brian Bowen Smith

  • Maarten De Boer

  • Paul Elledge

  • Shaun Fenn

  • Randal Ford

  • Laurie Frankel

  • Beth Galton

  • Andy Glass

  • Dan Goldberg

  • Nick Hall

  • Heather Hazzan

  • Tom Hussey

  • Kurt Iswarienko

  • Jason Lindsey

  • Nathan Lindstrom

  • Andy Mahr

  • Patrick Molnar

  • Michael Muller

  • Dana Neibert

  • Frank Ockenfels

  • Sandro

  • Smallz & Raskind

  • Adam Rose

  • Rennie Solis

  • Walter Smith

  • Art Streiber

  • Tim Tadder

  • Saverio Truglia

  • Christopher Wilson

  • Dan Winters

So far, this effort raised over $222,000. Additional participant photographers are joining each day as this campaign gains steam.  To learn more about how you can purchase a print and contribute to this significant cause, please check out the full listing of Art for Assistants GoFundMe pages, which continues to add photographers: Please remember you can support the project, and support photo assistants, by donating any amount, not just through the purchase of a print. Photographers interested in taking the pledge themselves please contact hello@timtadder.com 

 
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