DRIFT, Franchise Freedom flight in Capri on occasion of the Luisaviaroma x UNICEF Charity Summer Gala 2021

Franchise Freedom, the flying drone sculpture by art collective DRIFT exhibited its first flight of the year on July 31, 2021, on the occasion of the Luisaviaroma x UNICEF Charity Summer Gala in Capri, Italy.

In partnership between MindMaze and Therme Art, Franchise Freedom was donated to the event for its inaugural appearance at auction as a part of Sotheby’s Charity initiative. Sotheby’s U.K. Chairman Harry Dalmeny auctioned the piece after a special Franchise Freedom performance of 200 drones, which mesmerised the guests of the gala and the island of Capri. All proceeds were directed to UNICEF in its mission to support child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building.

“We could not believe this clear sign of nature when a shooting star crossed the performance,” expressed DRIFT.

“Therme Art and MindMaze’s support of Franchise Freedom, in collaboration with PACE, Superblue and DRIFT, is a step-change in approaches to cultural production. Using neurotechnology in combination with art, we can align mind and body to connect with the world,” remarked Tej Tadi, Founder and CEO of MindMaze.

Speaking of the event, Mikolaj Sekutowicz, Co-Founder and Curator of Therme Art stated:

“We are delighted to support UNICEF in their mission to raise funds for children in need across the world. Therme Art’s joint venture with MindMaze, in collaboration with PACE, Superblue and DRIFT, has given us the chance to exhibit and auction Franchise Freedom, an artwork that has inspired hundreds of thousands worldwide, for such a powerful cause.”

The UNICEF Charity Gala featured live performances by Katy Perry and John Legend, and was chaired by Vanessa Hudgens, Heidi Klum, Natasha Poly, Jon Kortaiarena, Cindy Bruna, Jasmine Sanders, Mariacarla Boscono, Maria Bakalova, Frida Aesen, Lais Ribeiro, Karolina Kurkova and Emily Ratajkowski.

DRIFT, Franchise Freedom flight in Capri on occasion of the Luisaviaroma x UNICEF Charity Summer Gala 2021