An online fundraiser to light up Times Square with Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart's portrait has been cancelled.
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Australian comedian Dan Ilic's indiegogo campaign had reached its goal of raising $30,000 last Friday, May 24.
On Tuesday night, May 28, Mr Ilic said the New York billboard plans would not go ahead.
He posted to the petition page last night stating the planned event was cancelled due to the artist's preferences.
"Your donations have been refunded, but if you'd like to donate to a cause in lieu of this billboard, please drop a donation to SeedMob," Mr Ilic said.
SeedMob is an Indigenous youth climate network.
Painted by Archibald prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira, the portrait was part of his Australia In Colour exhibit at the National Gallery in Canberra.
A global sensation was likely the last thing Ms Rinehart was looking for when she reportedly asked the gallery to remove her portrait.
Mr Ilic's initial petition said many people around the world might not know about Canberra or where it was located.
"This is an invitation to help get as many people to know about Australia In Colour as possible by putting the highlight of the show on a huge billboard in Times Square," his crowdfund said.
Jessica Belzycki
Journalist at the Newcastle Herald.
Journalist at the Newcastle Herald.
