About Artist For Action
Artist For Action® is a coalition of artists and musicians uniting to address the growing issues of gun violence, mental health, social isolation and loneliness in America. Through powerful storytelling, a national concert series, and an accessible digital platform, AFA helps artists activate their fanbases, raise awareness and share resources that build safer, more connected communities. This is a non-political, artist-led movement committed to preventing future tragedies by inspiring human connection and action. Together, we believe in the power of creativity to create change. We must act now!
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*Since 2023
Artist For Action's Work
50
Artists Mobilized
19
Events Organized
1.7B+
Social Impressions
Sandy Hook Promise's Work
700
Lives Saved
31 M+
People Reached
19
Shootings Prevented
*Since 2013. Artist For Action® is powered by Artist For Artist in collaboration with Sandy Hook Promise
Mark Barden's Story
Mark Barden was a professional guitarist until his 7 year old son, Daniel, was tragically killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting on December 14, 2012. Since then, Mark has dedicated his life to preventing similar tragedies by co-founding Sandy Hook Promise, an organization focused on gun violence prevention and keeping our schools and communities safe. In 2023, Mark co-founded and launched the Artist For Action® coalition to unite artists in protecting our communities. Mark has since found his place back on stage, performing alongside Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Bootsy Collins, BUSH, Ginuwine, Kevin Bacon, Aly & AJ and others in these efforts.
AFA's Story
Artist For Action® is powered by Artist For Artist®, a New York City–based experiental events agency founded by musicians Matthew Reich and Neal Saini. Matthew first met Mark Barden—a fellow professional guitarist and Sandy Hook Promise co-founder—at the GRAMMYs in 2020. As a new father himself, Matthew reached out to Mark after seeing gun violence dominate the news cycle, asking how the music community could help. Mark proposed forming a coalition of artists who could use their platforms to show that gun violence is preventable when communities have the right tools and resources. In 2023, Artist For Action® officially launched its coalition, platform, and concert series on Good Morning America with artists including Billie Eilish, Nile Rodgers, Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel and live in studio guest Gavin Rossdale of BUSH — all uniting to keep our communities safe. Since then, Mark has returned to the stage, performing alongside Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Bootsy Collins, BUSH, Ginuwine, Kevin Bacon, Aly & AJ, and others, embodying the movement’s mission to turn music into measurable action and change.
Become An Artist For Action!
Join our coalition and commit to using your platform to keep our communities more connected and safe! Fill out the form and we'll be in touch. Thanks for taking action!
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