A London-based pop artist will donate thousands to mental health charities and deliver workshops in schools following the sell-out of his NFT collection. Rich Simmons, a world-renowned artist and founder of non-profit Art Is The Cure, released his first NFT collection in February. All 3,333 unique variations of his REFLECTIONS NFT range sold out within one hour of going live.
The incredible achievement will allow Rich to donate over £7,500 to charitable organisations and deliver 10 Art Is The Cure workshops in schools, where he will teach young people about the benefits of creative therapy.
He said: “Art saved my life when I was younger. I have struggled with depression and I have Asperger Syndrome. I see the world differently and art was always a thing which connected me to the world and allowed me to communicate.
“Raising awareness of mental health and the benefits of creative therapy is very important to me. That’s why my REFLECTIONS NFT range will support the work of mental health organisations and creative therapy projects, in partnership with Art Is The Cure.”
An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a unique digital asset which exists on a blockchain. Similar to the deeds of a house, the blockchain represents a public ledger and certificate of ownership and authenticity.
Art Is The Cure was launched by Rich Simmons in 2008 with the aim of inspiring people and promoting creative therapy as a release. This year, the award-winning organisation was officially recognised as a Community Interest Company (CIC).
Using the Discord server, Art Is The Cure, Mr Simmons is creating a community of gallery-quality artists looking to evolve into the world of NFTs. With his guidance they will be able to launch their own collections to develop their careers, all while supporting the work of Art Is The Cure and other mental health organisations.
Rich Simmons is planning to release two more NFT collections by the end of Summer, including a selection of his famous Rich Simmons is planning to release two more NFT collections by the end of Summer, including a selection of his famous Between the Capes artwork.
©2022 Rich Simmons, Art Is The Cure
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