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Sacramento Republic FC

Republic FC, Boards for Change to Convert Empty Stands into Art Gallery for Good

July 13, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Sacramento, Calif. - As Sacramento Republic FC resume the 2020 USL season tonight against Tacoma Defiance, the stands won't be filled with the full-throated songs and chants from the USL's most passionate fans. But the emotions and creativity of the community will be on full display when over 40 pieces of artwork, curated by Boards For Change, will be on display in the North stands and around the park. Instead of cardboard cutouts and added crowd noise, the club will create an art gallery drawing attention to racial and social injustice with the auction proceeds to benefit local Black youth organizations. Auction information can be viewed at SacRepublicFC.com and BoardsForChange.org.

"It is an honor to lift up a project like Boards for Change - an incredible showcase of how interconnected, compassionate, and creative Sacramento is," said Republic FC President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Gumpert. "Art has been and will always be a core expression of our club and we couldn't think of a better way to fill our stands than these inspiring works which will help to positively impact our community."

As people around the world rallied together and raised their voices in a global call for justice for generations of racism and discrimination, a project in Sacramento provided a shining example of what makes this community special. Boards For Change turned the city into a canvas for artists to call for change, bring hope to those who pass by the pop-up exhibits, and express the wide range of emotions that filled the streets.

"We are so humbled by Sacramento Republic FC's support and eagerness to amplify the voices of local artists," said Boards For Chance co-creator Lina Washington. "Kimberly Prince, Shannan O'Rourke, and I had this little idea in early June and it turned into a huge community collaboration receiving national attention in a matter of weeks. None of this would be possible without the dozens of artists of all ages, races and levels of experience donating their time and talent to create for a cause. We've already raised more than $13,000 to be invested back into local Black youth organizations and we're looking forward to hitting our $20,000 goal thanks to SRFC giving Boards For Change this platform."

Now with over 40 pieces of artwork, the next step in Boards for Change's operation begins. On Monday, the artwork will be featured around Papa Murphy's Park on game day and beyond. And in partnership with the Sacramento Republic FC Foundation, each piece will be available for purchase through an online auction. The proceeds of the auctions will benefit Black youth organizations in the greater Sacramento area with a focus on equality, unity, and social change. Several of the selections that will be on display at Papa Murphy's Park can be viewed at Instagram.com/BoardsForChange/.

The online auctions for three selections will begin tonight, including a piece curated and sponsored by Republic FC - Unity by Rigo the Artist. "Unity" represents love and the local communities coming together in support of our fellow neighbors. In a time of uncertainty, Rigo's work features bright colors for passersby to see and feel the immense love radiating from it. Bidding will open during Republic FC's match against Tacoma, broadcast nationally on ESPN Deportes, and locally on KQCA My58. Fans can learn more about the artwork and auctions at SacRepublicFC.com and BoardsForChange.org.

In addition to the 40 original, one-of-one pieces of art, four Republic FC players have donated cleats for artists to create a message that they can take to the pitch.

For photos of the stadium and selections that will be available for auction, visit https://sacramentorepublicfc.box.com/s/waqkcbugacesuznnll82cv91ets60l5r. (Source: Republic FC)

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