"Difference Is Individuality, Not Deficiency"... Starbucks Launches Goods Designed by Young Disabled Artists

Starbucks Korea announced on April 16 that it will release goods designed with the award-winning works of young disabled artists in celebration of the Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls on April 20.

The new products include the Community Harmony Flare Cold Cup (710ml), SS Community Love Kessel Tumbler (355ml), Community Stella Zion Mug (355ml), and a Starbucks Mobile Card. These items were created based on last year's winning entries from the "Starbucks Art Contest" held for disabled artists.

Starbucks Korea announced on the 16th that it will release goods designed with the award-winning works of young disabled artists in celebration of Disability Day on the 20th. Photo by Starbucks Korea

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The grand prize winner, Anna Jeong's work "Any Color or Any Shape Is Fine," delivers the message that "difference is not a deficiency, but individuality," using vegetables and fruits of various colors, shapes, and flavors. This piece was incorporated into the design of the "Community Harmony Flare Cold Cup (710ml)," expressing the harmony of diverse personalities coming together. Jeong said, "Just as watermelon, banana, onion, and cucumber each have their own color and flavor because they are different, I hope this becomes a time for everyone to accept and love themselves and one another as they are."

The gold prize winner, Sohyun An's "Love for Summer," depicts people with disabilities enjoying time together at an outdoor swimming pool and reimagines this scene in the shape of a heart. This artwork will be released as the "SS Community Love Kessel Tumbler (355ml)." Another gold prize-winning work, Kyungryong Yoo's "Connecting Differences and Racing Toward Starlight," emphasizes the possibilities created by diversity, portraying different lights joining together to form new starlight. This piece will be featured as the "Community Stella Zion Mug (355ml)."

The new goods will be sold at 56 locations nationwide, including 11 Community Stores and the Gwacheon DT branch where the artists' works are exhibited, as well as in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gwangju, Busan, and Daegu. They will also be available through the Starbucks app online store. Details on specific store locations can be found on the Starbucks application and website.

Starbucks plans to donate 300 won per item sold to support campaigns aimed at improving awareness of disabilities.

Since 2021, Starbucks has held the "Starbucks Art Contest" every year. This year's contest is open for entries until April 20. Starting this year, the contest has expanded its eligibility to include not only young adults but also children and adolescents with disabilities. The winners will be announced and awarded in June.

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