100 for the Ocean: an artistic initiative with a conservation mission

Art is a medium of expression and that opens a window of opportunity to channel important messages that raise awareness about the challenges we face as a society. 100 for the Ocean is a great example of how art and activism can mix in to create a strong message aimed to create a positive change in the world. 

Here at ArtPlacer we want to use our platform in favor of important initiatives like this one, that’s why we are echoing the value of this project. This ocean-specific initiative was founded by wildlife photographer Chase Teron, along with Paul Nicklen, and Cristina Mittermeier. 100 for the ocean is the result of years working in close contact with marine ecosystems, recognizing the challenges they face and reaching back to the artistic community to team up and take action.

Keep reading to learn more about how this initiative came to be and what you can do to support it.

What is 100 for the Ocean?

100 for the Ocean is an initiative created by photographers Chase Teron, Paul Nicklen, and Cristina Mittermeier. The trio met while working on their own conservation missions with wild Orcas, this ongoing work led them to recognize the need for an ocean-specific initiative that could mix the power of art and storytelling to raise awareness and drive funds to the preservation of our oceans.

“The ocean covers 72% of our planet and it is essential to all life on Earth. The health of our ocean determines the health of our planet. When we protect the ocean, we are not only safeguarding the countless species that call it home, but we are also ensuring our own survival. “

Chase Teron. Originally posted on CNN on May 4, 2023.

Once the goal of bringing together ocean lovers and nature enthusiasts to raise awareness on the urgent need to protect the oceans as valuable resources for future generations. This trio got to work. They reunited 100 of the world’s top photographers and the vignettes of ocean life they captured. The heart of this project is the power of visual storytelling. 

They wanted to reach out well beyond their niche and inspire people around the world to take action. That’s where the number “100” became the cornerstone of how they would communicate their message: there are 100 photographers participating, 100 prints available for purchase, 100 is the price of each piece, and 100% of the process will go to the SeaLegacy Canada Foundation along other underfunded or under-represented NGOs that are in the front line working for ocean preservation.

What is the mission behind 100 for the Ocean

Ocean conservation might sound like a broad concept. The team behind 100 for the Ocean took it upon themselves to create a clear message that conveys the importance of protecting ocean spaces.

Their main goal is to raise awareness. The photographic works they present are not only interesting artworks that raise funds, each piece tells a story about the complexity of marine environments and the threats they face.

Behind every selected piece there is a compelling story. Inspiring action can take many forms, but this project understands the power of an image and how it can move the public, educate it, and help them connect or reconnect with the oceans. This is their way to communicate the urgent need to not only support conservation organizations, but to make sustainable choices in our daily lives as individuals.

With this strong message, 100 for the Ocean aims to create funding opportunities to support the conservative efforts of big organizations like SeaLegacy, and elevate and make known the work of other, often overlooked, organizations that have also taking a deep dive into protecting marine species, restoring their habitats, working along coastal communities and raising awareness on the role oceans play in the fight against global warming.

What can you do to support this initiative

100 for the Ocean is part of a global movement that has put its focus on protecting our oceans. Supporting it can take many different forms, you can acquire one of the available prints and become a voice in your community by echoing the story behind it but there are also other ways to help this initiative:

–Get informed: if the stories behind the images moved you, follow through and do your own research on the importance of ocean conservation.

–Lead a sustainable life: even the smallest action can lead to big changes. What can you do in your everyday life to protect our oceans from contamination, plastic pollution, or overfishing?

–Raise your voice: share this initiative and their work, use your available channels, from social media to word of mouth, pass on this information, and help others discover the greatness of these habitats and their importance.

Do what you can to spread the message. Here at ArtPlacer we want to not only help with the tools we can provide to artists to strengthen their message and how it’s presented, we also want to use our voices and reach out to our community of artists, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our oceans environments and recognize the work of those who are leading the way to achieve meaningful changes.