VANS PARTNERS WITH RISING BLACK ARTISTS FOR FOOTWEAR COLLABORATION
by Stephen Garner Feb 08, 2021
Vans has announced a limited-time footwear collaboration featuring four rising Black artists in honor of Black History Month.
This initiative showcases four creatives who are pushing culture forward and paving the way for generations to follow. The artists include Rewina Beshue, whose scope of work ranges from multimedia, painting, printmaking, and graphic design; Sydney G. James, a fine artist, and muralist and one of the leading creative voices in southeast Michigan; Chris Martin, a multidisciplinary artist that explores the African Diaspora and spotlights the rich history of The South; and Tony Whlgn, a visual artist who creates on unconventional mediums and has worked with Marc Ecko, Joey Badass, Big K.R.I.T. and NYC's Kith.
Each week in February, vans.com will feature a different artist delving into their story and work alongside the release of their Vans Custom design that embody their diverse styles and tenacious spirits – product images below. In addition, each artist will be featured in store windows of all Vans stores across the U.S. and Canada for the entire month of February, as well as on vans.com and Vans social media accounts.
Vans will also be donating $40,000 to the Black Arts Future Fund, an organization that uplifts and enhances the future of Black arts and culture. This donation will fund granting efforts to small and community-based Black arts organizations across the country. Vans fans can also lend support to Black Art Futures Fund by donating their Vans Family points up to $25,000 within the U.S.
Finally, Vans has reintroduced its "Foot the Bill" program to support small businesses that have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. In conjunction with Black History Month, Vans will spotlight three Black-owned businesses each week as part of directing consumers to Black-owned businesses throughout the U.S. Companies including 606 Records in Chicago and Harriet's Bookshop in Philadelphia – list of companies to date showcased below. Through efforts like "Foot the Bill," Vans is committed to championing inclusivity by supporting small businesses that are owned and operated by diverse communities.
"As we live our purpose to enable creative expression, we are proud to partner with each artist to uplift and amplify their voices during Black History Month and beyond," said Carly Gomez, VP Marketing of Vans The Americas.