[4][5] UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) was an early sponsor, providing funding for ten artists, followed by an artist-training program in 22 countries.
In 2008, the arts professionals in this program were: Mahaliah Kowa, former Project Coordinator of the Harambe Afrika!
[7] Former President Bill Clinton had commissioned three market artists to create prizes that were presented in September 2009 to the winners of the Clinton Global Citizen Awards — which honored individuals and organizations for their philanthropic contributions to global welfare.
The work of the three artists, Serge Jolimeau and Michee Remy of Haiti and Toyin Folorunso of Nigeria, represented recycled metals.
58 artists were from cooperatives and NGOs that represent approximately 36,059 artisans — positively impacting the lives of over 360,000 extended family members.