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CORBIS DONATION TO NON-PROFITS
January 17, 2004
Corbis Exceeds $1 Million Image Donation To Non-Profits In 2003
Extends Free Access To Bettmann Archive Images In 2004
In the largest initiative of its kind in the image licensing industry, Corbis waived
more than $1 million in licensing fees to non-profit organizations around the world
last year. The company announced today that it will extent the program for 2004,
donating another $1 million to help non-profits tell their important stories.
The program originated in 2003 as part of the company's year-long celebration of the
100th birthday of Dr. Otto Bettmann, founder of the Bettmann Archive. Owned by Corbis
since 1995, the Bettmann Archive is one of the world's largest and oldest collections
of photographs, containing 11.5 million images. Corbis clients frequently tap these
images for use in everything from Wheaties boxes and ad campaigns to books, magazines
and documentaries. Photos in the archive range from iconic images of human history to
depictions of everyday life.
"It's always our business to help clients tell their stories with impact that goes
beyond words," said Steve Davis, chief executive officer of Corbis. "The image
donation program was so well received around the world last year that it is our
privilege to continue supporting non-profits by giving them access to the world's
foremost visual record."
Users of the program applaud Corbis for enabling them to enhance their communications
with photography that would otherwise be beyond their strained budgets. "Those of us
who work with non-profits often have to present exhibits, books or other visual
expressions without using the best materials available," said Vicki Gold Levi, a
historian and co-founder of the Atlantic City Historical Museum. "Corbis' gift is so
generous that I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I read about it. My visitors'
and readers' experiences will be greatly enhanced by these wonderful historic images.
Non-profit organizations around the world are elibible to participate in the image
donation program. Corbis is also reaching out to its own clients in this effort,
encouraging advertising agencies, design houses, and publishers to draw on the image
donation program for their own pro-bono work.
Corbis made the announcement at its first-ever annual meeting, held in New York City,
which featured remarks from Davis and the company's owner and founder, Bill Gates.
More information about eligibility and guidelines is available on the Corbis website
www.corbis.com .