The project, Fotos Por México, is a voluntary fundraising campaign initiated by local artists who donate their artworks for charity. The proceeds would be for families who were fighting against the coronavirus.

The initiative sought for art enthusiasts and advocates to purchase copies of photos from 213 Mexican photographers. The funds would go to the Salvador Zubirán National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition. A representative of the institute stated that Fotos Por México allowed them to save lives and protect health professionals against the coronavirus.

Platform of solidarity

Organizers and fellow photographers Adel Buzali, Ruth Ovseyevitz, Mauricio Maillé, Juan Carlos Campos and Fernanda Monterde said they were inspired by similar fundraisers in Italy and the U.S. that they decided to create their own.

Buzali said that the projects from the other countries unified the artists in local communities. That gave her the idea to adopt the initiative in Mexico, especially since Mexicans were known for their solidarity in difficult situations like the pandemic.

Other artists who participated in Fotos Por México included Emmanuel Lubezki, Graciela Iturbide, Maya Goded, and over two hundred more. Each of their photos was priced at 2,500 pesos. The cost of printing was reduced with the adjustments according to the format of the image.

The photos were printed at the Mexican Image Laboratory right as the business reopened. They would be delivered by parcel as soon as courier services go back to regular operations.

Photographer and co-organizer Mauricio Maillé expressed that he appreciated the response of the artists who immediately wanted to be involved for the cause. He added that their generosity, as well as the patrons who bought the art pieces, would create a "platform of solidarity" in the country.

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Solidarity of the Mexicans

In an interview with Mexico News Daily, artist Nelson Morales said that he was honored to have contributed to the campaign. He believed that they set a standard for other artists to follow by showing strength among countrymen during times of crisis.

The organizers showed their gratitude for the photographers for donating their work. They said that the campaign was the first step to helping the media and the people connect through creating a community of support.

Buzali was thankful for the participation and contribution of the artists, who were a combination of experienced and up-and-coming photographers in the art scene. She also hoped this effort would extend to medical professionals who were sacrificing their lives to fight the virus.

To conclude the ceremony, Buzali said that they recognized the efforts the three groups made, particularly the Salvador Zubirán Institute, who they entrusted to deal with the funds. She added that their biggest inspiration were the medical front-line workers, who filled the artists with great pride for allowing them to assist in taking care of the lives of patients and in contributing to their research teams.

The 15-day campaign, which started from May 11 to 25, raised over 6 million Mexican pesos.