Press Release – November 29, 2016 (Las Vegas, Nevada) – World-renown landscape photographer Peter Lik today announced the formation and launch of The LIK Foundation, focused on preserving and protecting the raw beauty of our planet while offering vital aid to disadvantaged and underfunded communities globally. Led by Lik and a seven-member council of dedicated enthusiasts, the foundation formalizes and expands Lik’s charitable contributions [spanning decades]. Lik is one of the world’s preeminent landscape photographers. With 13 galleries around the United States, he counts presidents and celebrities among his collectors.
Charity Through Art has long been at the forefront of Lik’s mission to care for the earth and its inhabitants through his photography. Over the last few years, he has donated proceeds from sales of his award-winning images to non-profit organizations including Make-a-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Oceana and Habitat for Humanity.
The formalization of these contributions through The Lik Foundation represents Lik’s next big step in giving back to a planet that he has been in awe of and capturing via his photography for decades. “Experiencing the raw beauty of our world has inspired me to do whatever I can to help keep it a magical place, where anyone and everyone has a chance to thrive,” says Peter. “I am eagerly looking forward to the many opportunities ahead.”
The foundation’s first formal endeavors began this summer, when Lik partnered with international non-profit organization, ONE DROP™ – which turns “water into action.” As a result, a portion of all sales from the Artist’s popular summer release, A Sky Full of Stars, is currently helping to create clean and sustainable water sources for our precious planet. Founder of Cirque du Soleil and ONE DROP, Guy Laliberté said of the alliance, “What Peter is doing to help our planet and our global community is exceptional. Knowing his lifelong passion for nature and involvement with philanthropy, it doesn’t surprise me that he has chosen to take it to the next level by creating his own foundation and I am very happy that One Drop gets to continue this relationship as a beneficiary.”
The foundation will continue its already-in-progress mission by working with communities across the United States, and in particular, markets in which LIK Galleries are located. “Outreach has always been a huge part of what we do,” Peter adds. “I could not be more grateful to all the cities – from New York to Los Angeles – that have warmly welcomed our galleries. It is my aim to give back the same generosity and support I have been fortunate to receive.”
About Peter Lik
Peter Lik began capturing the wonders of nature as a young boy in his native Australia and never stopped. In 1984, Lik migrated to the U.S. and discovered his passion for panoramic photography. One of Lik’s most notable projects, Spirit of America, is a 50-state landscape exploration of perilous deserts, ethereal mountain peaks, lush fields and glimmering cityscapes. Peter Lik’s love for America and its landscapes led him to become a naturalized citizen in 2013. Over the years, Lik’s career has been marked with award wins as a Master Photographer from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Master Photographers International (MPIO). He has also been awarded fellowships from the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP), The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and most recently the American Society of Photography (ASP). In 2011, Peter jumped into mainstream culture by starring in the NBC-produced TV series, From the Edge with Peter Lik. With 13 galleries around the United States, Peter Lik counts presidents and celebrities among his collectors. Lik’s masterworks Ghost and Inner Peace have been included in an exhibition of Nature’s Best Photography at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. In 2015, Peter was honored at PPA’s Imaging USA with a Lifetime Achievement Award becoming only the 13th recipient in history to receive this honor.
About The LIK Foundation
Founded in 2016, The LIK Foundation is the non-profit, philanthropic arm of the internationally renowned landscape photographer Peter Lik, designed to bring comfort and assistance to a world in need. After decades of exploring and capturing the natural wonders of Mother Nature, Peter – along with his seven-member council – have made it their mission to preserve and protect the raw beauty of our planet, while offering vital aid to disadvantaged and underfunded communities on every continent. With a strong focus on Charity Through Art, the foundation is endlessly devoted to using the power of the almighty lens to spark positive change and a better life for all.
