ABOUT

Pictures for Purpose is a foundation that strives to support urgent causes through the medium of photography. We collaborate with international artists and organisations, culminating in a series of print sale fundraisers and exhibitions.

Pictures for Purpose was first established in 2020. Inspired by artist-led initiatives in Italy (100 Fotografi Per Bergamo, 2020) and the USA (Pictures for Elmhurst, 2020), we decided to organise a print sale fundraiser of our own, with a unique format.

In previous editions, artists who contributed a print could choose to receive a percentage of the proceeds from their sales. While most opted to donate 100% to the cause, this model allows us to support the mission without relying solely on the generosity of the artists. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative, the foundation retains a maximum of 10% from each fundraiser.

MISSION

Pictures for Purpose is a creative-led initiative. Offering a curated selection of photographic prints to a broad audience, each of our sales raises funds for urgent causes, shining a light on pressing global issues. Often, the participating artists themselves choose to donate works that creatively address similar social questions.

Having started life as a print sale fundraiser, we aspire to give artists a platform to share valuable stories, be it through developing exhibitions, collaborations with partner organisations, or educational programming.

Isabella van Marle, Kunna Haan,
Raisa Kingma & Tijn Benedek

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

2020 – COVID-19 Emergency Fundraiser (11–25 May)
Our inaugural edition responded to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising over €200.000 in two weeks. We collaborated with 36 artists based in the Netherlands, sharing proceeds between the Dutch Food Bank and in some cases the artists themselves—many of whom had lost valuable streams of income. With this structure, we sought to avoid relying solely on the generosity of the artists, whilst also offering support to those in acute need in the Netherlands.

2021 – Climate Crisis (7–21 June)
In partnership with Justdiggit and the UN Environment Programme, this edition highlighted the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Featuring work by 36 international artists, the sale raised €85.000 for climate action in East Africa and for artists impacted by the pandemic.

2022 – Ukraine Response (10–24 March)
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion, we raised €252.350 for World Central Kitchen, supporting their efforts to provide fresh meals to those affected. The campaign included contributions from 45 artists, including several from Ukraine.

2023 – Earthquake Relief: Turkey & Syria (16–30 March)
This fundraiser supported Ahbap (Turkey) and The White Helmets (Syria) after devastating earthquakes. With 39 international artists and a limited edition format, the sale raised €80.392.

2024 – Children in Conflict: Gaza & Lebanon (26 Nov–10 Dec)
We raised €118.456 for two child-focused initiatives: Taawon’s NOOR programme for orphans in Gaza and Beit el Baraka’s Forsa programme supporting education for children in Lebanon. Together with 39 participating artists we were hoping to contribute to a brighter, more stable future for children in the affected areas.

2025 – Gaza Animal Rescue (3–17 April)
In collaboration with artist and activist Nan Goldin, this special edition raised €235.873 for Sulala Animal Rescue—the only organisation of its kind in Gaza. Featuring three signed prints, the fundraiser supported Saeed Al-Err and his team in their tireless efforts to protect animals amid ongoing conflict.