Street Art for Mankind (SAM) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that strongly believes in the power of Art to trigger social change. With the support of over 80 prominent international street artists, SAM curates and produces large murals, interactive exhibitions and live performances around the world to bond communities and generations around human rights.
SAM was built around the fight against child labour & trafficking, and it remains its primary focus. Because we believe that together we can create a Child Friendly world.
Donate here to support our work and our mission.
“Art is a universal language. It has no age, no gender, no race. It simply speaks to the hearts and moves humankind in a way nobody can explain, but everybody can experiment. Art makes our world a better place.”
Street Art for Mankind
Our world faces many challenges such as climate crisis, inequality and new patterns of violence. The United Nations has created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) providing a universally accepted framework for summarizing and addressing these sustainability issues in the 21st century.
Solving these challenges require cooperation and conversations across borders, sectors and generations and a strong engagement of the public including youth and those who would not necessarily engage in those conversations. Solving these issues include also inspiring people within their communities.
Children in Child Labor
Children in Modern Slavery
Children in Hazardous Work
Human trafficking profits/yr
148 goods in 76 countries produced by child labour Most common goods produced by children:
gold (22 nations), bricks (20 nations), sugar cane (18), coffee (17), cotton (17) and tobacco (16).
*Sources: ILO 2017 and DOL 2018
“Child labour” is defined by the ILO as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and the that is harmful to their physical and mental development. It refers to work that is dangerous and interferes with their schooling. The worst forms of child labour involves children being enslaved, separated from their families, exposed to serious hazards and illnesses, including sex trafficking.
Progress is made: In 2016, there were 98 million fewer boys and girls forced to work than in 2000 (ILO). Yet continuous and joined efforts need to be made to meet the ambitious global targets to end child labor by 2025.
SAM generates impact with spectacular landmark murals that bring conversations “to the street” to reach a large and diverse public; but also with major murals inaugurations and exhibitions, that create unique connections between the public, the artists and change-makers; and with its free app “Behind the Wall” that offers educative content on human rights issues and direct calls to action.
SAM works with the United Nations, Diplomats, Cities, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, NGO’s, Activists…. to inform people, federate action and initiate change in an uplifting way.
Three SAM murals were elected as most impactful in 2019.
SAM helps fund raid and rescue programs initiated by the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and its Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF). By purchasing art or making a donations, you also help us finance these raid and rescue programs, and give back to children their freedom.
Street Art for Mankind (SAM) is the story of passionate individuals who strongly believe in Art for Social Change. It all
started with an inspiring encounter with Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Kailash Satyarthi, in 2015. This event led the
co-founders, “parents with a typical corporate background and a passion for art,” to jump in and do their share to create a movement that amplifies the fight against one of the worst injustices of our time: child trafficking. As SAM grew, the NGO started to tackle additional human rights issues, amplifying today with art a large number of human rights that all support the creation of a child-friendly world.
Street Art for Mankind Co-Founders
Yet, nothing would be possible without the members, volunteers and people who have supported SAM’s mission since its inception. We want here to thank you all for your support and especially the following:
SAM is also the pledge of 80+ prominent and generous street artists, diverse in styles and background, who have decided to engage their Art from the streets, to help children from the street, and to support the creation of a Child Friendly world.
We create large murals and spectacular exhibitions to bond communities around human rights and help eradicate child trafficking. And, we depend on your donations to continue our work.
Make a 100% tax-deductible donation today to our 501(c)(3) organization to help us create a child-friendly world.
Buy incredible signed prints and canvases, made by prominent international artists for Street Art for Mankind, to own a beautiful artwork and support the fight for a child-friendly world.
The free app “Behind the wall” transforms your cell phone into a street art Audio-Guide, an AR “cool picks” maker and a platform to take action. Available for Androids and iPhones.
Child Labour is a reality for one child out of 10 on the planet and many of the products we buy are likely to be made by one of them. Ask for accountability, spread the word, have your Say!
Discover the #NRNY Murals and feel inspired! Created like an “outdoor museum”, this walk takes you through different styles and themes engaging you to reflect on our communities.
Check the #FreeChildren Campaign to learn about child trafficking and take action. In partnership with key street artists and influencers like Mira Sorvino, Nicholas Kristoff and many more!
