SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Razoo.com, the fastest-growing crowdfunding site for causes, today announced the launch of 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).
To donate to “Yoga: The Art of Transformation,” visit here.
About Razoo
Razoo is crowdfunding for causes. Named for an Australian coin of little value on its own – until combined with many – Razoo powers small acts of charity that, together, change the world. From multimillion-dollar, community-led Giving Days to individuals collecting donations on behalf of the nonprofits they support, Razoo has helped raise over $147 million online – one small donation at a time. Razoo has offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., and is seed funded by the Legatum Group. See how we're creating a new generation of everyday philanthropists at www.razoo.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Razoo, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/razoogiving.
About Razoo Foundation
The Razoo Foundation is a 501(c) (3) public charity that exists to promote and provide online charitable giving solutions that support a new era in philanthropy. By leveraging secure and efficient technologies, the Razoo Foundation seeks to provide robust, high-value, low-cost, end-to-end solutions for donors and nonprofits to easily fundraise and engage in charitable giving activities.
About Sackler Gallery
The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, located at 1050 Independence Avenue S.W., and the adjacent Freer Gallery of Art, located at 12th Street and Independence Avenue S.W., are the Smithsonian’s museums of Asian art on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day (closed Dec. 25), and admission is free. The galleries are located near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information about the Freer and Sackler galleries and their exhibitions, programs and other public events, visit www.asia.si.edu. For general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000.
