Razoo.com, a crowdfunding site for causes, has launched the Smithsonian’s first major crowdfunding campaign. The online fundraiser will support the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery’s “Yoga: The Art of Transformation,” the world’s first exhibition on the visual history of yoga. The fundraiser begins today, May 29, and runs through July 1, 2013.
This is the first time the Smithsonian is incorporating crowdfunding technology on a large scale. The Smithsonian chose Razoo as its fundraising platform in order to give its 30 million annual patrons – as well as its large network of museum, art and history enthusiasts – the option to easily contribute to this historically significant exhibit. Razoo has hosted 245 fundraisers to help museums increase awareness and engagement among new online donor communities.
“There are a great many people who care deeply about what we do, and we know that through this campaign we can reach an even larger segment of supporters than we do currently,” said Katie Ziglar, Director of External Affairs at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. “Crowdfunding is an updated way of reaching a broader community, and with Razoo we are able to make a bigger impact.”
Razoo is designed to inspire ongoing generosity by making it enjoyable for people to give or fundraise online with an easy-to-use dashboard and widgets. Its deep integration with social networks makes it easy for nonprofits and donors alike to share.
“It’s an honor to work with such an esteemed organization as the Freer|Sackler, and we are very excited to be supporting the ‘Together We’re One’ fundraiser,” said Lesley Mansford, CEO of Razoo. “Through the power of social fundraising we hope to introduce this exhibit to a broader audience than it might find through traditional channels.”
The “Together We’re One” fundraiser seeks to raise $125,000 for the “Yoga: The Art of Transformation.” Contributions will be used for exhibition production, web content, catalog printing and free public programs for adults and families.
The exhibit brings together more than 130 works, from the 3rd century to the early 20th century, illuminating yoga’s central tenets as well as its obscured histories. The collection includes temple sculptures, illustrated manuscripts and court paintings, among many other works borrowed from 25 museums and private collections in India, Europe, and the United States.
“So many people have a deep connection with yoga,” added Zigler. “We chose crowdfunding for this exhibit because of the subject matter’s universal appeal.”
Following its Washington, D.C. debut run from October 19, 2013 – January 26, 2014, “Yoga: The Art of Transformation” will travel to the San Francisco Asian Art Museum (February 21–May 25, 2014) and the Cleveland Museum of Art (June 22–September 7, 2014).