TitleImagekind's Cruel Treatment of Homeless Artists
As the manager of a non-profit art studio serving individuals facing homelessness in Skid Row, my experiences with Imagekind have been deeply troubling.
Imagekind callously sells prints of our immensely talented artists' work without bothering to keep proper records of the sales on our account. It was only brought to our attention that they sold ten out of the twenty paintings we know of when external agencies, such as a museum in Santa Monica and a non-profit justice center, reached out to inform us about showcasing our artwork. They even provided invoices for their purchases. This raises a crucial question: how many more sales have they made without our knowledge, leaving our artists unpaid and their talents unacknowledged?
In July 2023, Imagekind acknowledged their debt to us, placing the blame on the absence of PayPal on our account for non-payment. Despite rectifying this in October, it's now March 2024, and Imagekind continues to ignore their financial obligations. Our artists, who pour their hearts into their creations, are left with nothing but empty promises and overlooked invoices.
To make matters worse, Imagekind's communication is virtually nonexistent. Their phone line seems to lead to a void, swallowing up all attempts at contact. Emails either receive deafening silence or, at best, a fleeting promise of a call that never materializes. It's not just frustrating; it's downright heartless.
I've agonized over whether to maintain our account with Imagekind, holding onto the hope that our artists will eventually receive the rightful compensation they deserve. But this ordeal feels less like a struggle and more like a deliberate exploitation. Are Imagekind's actions merely negligent, or are they intentionally criminal?
Artists experiencing homelessness deserve dignity and respect. Let this be a firm warning to all: Imagekind cannot be trusted. Stand with us in demanding accountability and justice for our artists.
12 de março de 2024
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