Design 21: Social Design Network

In response the Earthquake in L'Aquila, Italy on April 6, 2009, a new non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California was created with the exclusive purpose of raising funds and the greater awareness for the city and the victims of L'Aquila.

California for L'Aquila's mission is to raise resources through a multi-city photographic exhibit of the L'Aquila Earthquake and its aftermath. This is not an art exhibition in the conventional sense: it will be partly testimonial, partly an avenue to contribute, and partly the creation of a new bond between California and L'Aquila, both prone to devastating earthquakes.

The complete story of this tragedy is broad and exclusive. Curator Lisa Melandri (Santa Monica Museum) with her team will select the images with the most impact to be exposed. Individual 9x14 inch ink jet prints will be sold at $30.00 each, making them accessible to a wide audience. The first exhibition will take place in Los Angeles, with other California cities to follow in the future.