Artist Statement: UNICEF and Comics Uniting Nations launched the School Superhero Comic Contest, asking children and youth to submit a superhero who could keep students and schools safe as part of the #ENDviolence in Schools campaign. After receiving over 3,600 superheroes from young people across the globe, the world voted on their favourite superhero. Rizka, a young 17 year old girl from Indonesia and anti-bullying advocate, won with the most number of votes. Rizka worked with UNICEF, Comics Uniting Nations and DeCheser Media to produce her full comic book featuring her winning superhero, Cipta. To celebrate the young superheroes around the world who are raising awareness and taking action to #ENDviolence in and around schools, Sing for Hope commissioned this piano. It was produced in collaboration with Arelí Rocha and Sydney Foreman, the artists who designed and painted the piano with the artwork received from young people around the world. The piano will be launched at UNICEF in New York on 8 July for an exhibition during the UN High Level Political forum where governments will convene to review plans and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the goals on Education and Ending Violence against Children. Rizka's final comic book will also be launched at a UNICEF event that will feature the piano and young performers on 16 July. After the exhibition, on 19 July, the piano will be placed in Dag Hammarskjöld plaza on E 47th Street for the public to enjoy. This piano serves as a reminder of the creativity young people possess and the power of art to change the world. UNICEF urges decision-makers to include children and young people in achieving the SDGs and to #ENDviolence in and around Schools.
UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines, we support child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation. Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures. And we never give up.
