Global arts project and charity fundraiser theonemillionmasterpiece.com is set to improve security following the brief publication of offensive material on it website.
The project, launched in July, is attempting to create the world's first truly global piece of artwork by inviting one million people to work together in its production. Each contributor is being asked to draw a small picture directly online of something that is important to them, with the resulting montage set for unveiling on World Population Day 2007. The project is supported by five international charities, including Oxfam International, Save the Children and ActionAid.
On 1 September a contributing artist broke site guidelines and published an image containing explicit language in reference to a UK based company. Philip Stone from Liverpool, England, used the site to produced a picture in the style of the easyGroup logo which read easyC**t, and referred to Stelios Haji-Ioannou as a "fat man who thinks he owns the British language". Stone was making reference to recent court battles in which the easyGroup has sought to control the use of the word 'easy' by other businesses and websites.
The offending image was removed by site moderators within 15 minutes of being created, however 38 public complaints were received from users who had viewed the picture.
Artist and founder of the project Paul Fisher commented "the project is centred on the individuals taking part and the way that they see our world, so this drawing was just as valid and welcome as any other. However we have systems in place to make sure that potentially offensive material is obscured from view to protect children and other sensitive groups from seeing it. In this instance Philip failed to declare the image as adult in nature, and so it briefly appeared on the public site."
Policies on the website are now being reviewed and security measures strengthened to avoid a similar situation reoccurring. Security is already in the process of being improved in preparation of an International Schools Programme due for launch in January 2007 that will open the project to 250,000 children.
http://www.theonemillionmasterpiece.com
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ABOUT THE PROJECT
The One Million Masterpiece, launched on 14 July 2006, is set to become the world’s largest ever artistic collaboration. One million people are being invited to create a 5cm by 5cm section of one huge digital canvas by using specially designed online tools. After one complete year of collaboration the final picture will be printed and unveiled in London on 11 July 2007, World Population Day, as a symbol of global unity and a unique celebration of 21st century global culture and society.
As well as being a challenging artistic venture, The One Million Masterpiece is a non-profit initiative that will raise over $6.5 million / £3.5 million for global humanitarian and environmental charities, including Save The Children, Oxfam International, ActionAid, World Cancer Research Fund and WWF. This will be achieved through the small donation of $6.50 / £3.50 to take part in the project.
