The World Letter

… Where I intend to set up The World Letter next! Currently, I’m fundraising for this particular mission of The World Letter Ukraine (but if we did raise more money than needed, 100% of donations will go to future World Letter expenses, as the project itself is far from being finished!)

Hi World! I am Cocovan, a 35 year old French-Iranian female artist. In May 2017, my life changed forever when I decided one day to set up a desk in the street, and write my love letter to the world. Unexpectedly, passers-by joined me and started adding their love letters to the world as well, on the same scroll of paper. A Chinese man, a German couple, a Syrian family... And in my mind, something clicked! If there ever was a love letter to the world to be made, shouldn’t it be written by... the whole world?

That’s how my participatory art project “The World Letter" was born! And this love letter to the world, from the world, will only be complete when at least 1 person from every country (196) has signed it.

For the past 6 years, I have been working almost full time on this project, managing to set up the same desk to the streets of 16 countries around the world, inviting more and more people to participate to this ever-growing love letter to the world.

Paris, France, (2017)

NYC, USA, (2019)

Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda, (2020)

Kathmandu, Nepal (2021)

Some of the cities I’ve brought the installation to include: Paris (France), New York City (USA), Kathmandu (Nepal), Bogota (Colombia), Kampala (Uganda), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Mexico City (Mexico)… as well as more remote regions. Like the tiny Himalayan village of Dapu, in the Dolpo region of Nepal!

Dapu, Lower Dolpo, Nepal (2022)

Today, more than 25,000 people, from 145 different nationalities, have participated to The World Letter, which now spans over 600 meters! (2000 feet).

The World Letter is taller than the Empire State Building!

From indigenous people to Hollywood actors, from Buddhist monks to Christian priests, from graffiti artists to bankers, The World Letter brings together people from all paths of life, all backgrounds, all religions, ages, political views... as one humanity.

Beyond the streets, I have brought The World Letter to many other places: schools, festivals, slums, refugee camps, homeless shelters, hospitals, art fairs, beaches, villages, monasteries, and ... laundromats! The World Letter has even been signed in airports and on airplanes!

Even the Hulk himself, Mark Ruffalo, signed The World Letter!

Indigenous people Kogi, la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia (2018)

My intention with The World Letter is to offer a change of perspective... What if instead of focusing on the negative, we started highlighting the good in the world?

In a time where humanity is divided by wars, a pandemic, growing inequalities, opinions... What if we could unite the world in a collective art piece?

In a time where our planet is facing critical environmental challenges... Is falling in love with the Earth, the key to making the changes our planet needs?

In a time where we feel more and more disconnected from each other... Could a gigantic love letter be the link between us all?

The World Letter is a one woman show. I don’t have any employees, it’s just me, my determination, and the help of hundreds of amazing people around the world who have worked or volunteered along me to make this happen. So far, The World Letter has been mainly self funded, with additional monetization made through collaborations with brands, private events - as well as collecting donations, and some public and private subventions.

But it’s not enough for the project to survive. That’s why, if you believe in The World Letter, please consider making a donation to this fundraiser. The World Letter is a collaborative effort at its very core, so it would be amazing if the world could unite to help me fund it, and continue it. Any amount helps.

Let’s do this together, world! Let’s bring peace in a world that truly needs it. Let’s create a statement of love that will last for decades.

Thank you.

— Cocovan

Instagram  | Twitter  | Facebook  | Website / And this is my instagram as an artist

What will you do at the end of the project?

At the end of project I wants to exhibit The World Letter around the world, and make a documentary film about the journey. And as a poetic ending, I intend to send a digital copy of The World Letter... into space! In a “nano-sat” that will orbit around the Earth for a couple of years.

What is your plan for The World Letter in Ukraine?

Setting up the installation in Kyiv for multiple days, and have the local people participate in The World Letter. Do research on other regions in Ukraine to take the project to. Collaborate with local NGOs. Bring The World Letter to schools. Have as many people here as possible sign the Letter. I secretly hope president Zelensky will also sign The World Letter!

What will the money be used for in Ukraine?

While I’m working here on a volunteer basis, the funds will be used to pay for my accommodation, and any World Letter related expenses, such as: hiring local people to film, or assist me, to take photos, interpret, fixers, transportation, material expenses. Documenting The World Letter extensively also has a cost, so some of the money will be allocated to archiving The World Letter digitally, digital storage, hard drives, and camera equipment.

How long will you be in Ukraine for?

At least 2 months, but it might take longer. Because that’s how long it takes to organize a few World Letter events in a country: get a permit, find locations, gather a local team, find schools to bring the Letter to, etc. When I bring The World Letter to a country, I make sure that I cover not only the big cities, but the villages too, so that the people can be represented accurately.

Is The World Letter a non-profit organization?

Yes, The World Letter is a non-profit org, registered in France as Loi 1901.

What's the biggest lesson you've learned by reading 25,000 love letters to the world?

That the world is full of love, and we don't use that potential enough.

What’s your favorite country you’ve visited?

I don’t have one, every country is special, every culture is unique, and every part of the world should be celebrated for what it contributes to this incredible humanity;

Where can I read The World Letter?

Here!