Elon Musk and Andrew Tate Each Pledge $1 Million to Iryna Zarutska’s Fund, Aiming to Put Her Murals Across America
In a rare moment of unexpected unity, two of the world’s most polarizing figures—Tesla CEO Elon Musk and internet personality Andrew Tate—have come together to support the artistic mission of Ukrainian-born muralist Iryna Zarutska. Both men have pledged $1 million each to a fund established in Zarutska’s name, with the goal of plastering her bold, emotionally charged murals across cities throughout the United States.
The announcement has sparked immediate buzz, not just because of the staggering $2 million combined donation, but because of the unlikely pairing of Musk and Tate, two men who seldom align on public projects. What unites them here, they say, is Zarutska’s artistry and the power of her message.
A Rising Artist With a Global Vision
Zarutska, who fled her war-torn hometown in Ukraine in 2022, has quickly become a rising star in the art world. Her large-scale murals blend raw emotional intensity with surrealist imagery, often depicting themes of resilience, displacement, and the universal longing for peace.
Her works have already gained international attention, adorning walls in European capitals like Berlin and Warsaw, where they’ve been hailed as symbols of defiance against oppression. Now, thanks to Musk and Tate’s financial backing, the 34-year-old artist may soon see her work displayed on some of America’s most iconic cityscapes.
“Iryna’s art tells a story of strength and humanity,” Musk said in a brief statement released Wednesday. “Supporting her is about more than murals—it’s about amplifying a voice that deserves to be heard around the world.”
Tate, whose own reputation has often been mired in controversy, echoed the sentiment but in his typically blunt fashion. “This woman is a fighter. Her art cuts through the noise. I respect anyone who can turn suffering into beauty, and I’ll put my money where my mouth is,” he said.
A Fund With Two Missions
The newly announced fund will operate with a dual mission. The first is to cover the costs of bringing Zarutska’s murals to life in major American cities. This means securing walls, permits, and logistical support for massive art installations in places like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami.
The second mission is deeply personal: a portion of the funds will be directed to Zarutska’s family, many of whom remain in Ukraine and continue to endure the hardships of conflict. Organizers say the balance will ensure her family’s safety while allowing her to continue her work abroad without the weight of financial strain.
“Every dollar has a purpose,” said Michael Donovan, a spokesperson for the initiative. “It’s about sustaining Iryna as an artist, supporting her family during a time of crisis, and giving American cities something truly profound—murals that will stand as both art and testimony.”
Murals as a National Conversation
Public murals have long been a way for artists to spark dialogue and reflect the spirit of their times. From Diego Rivera’s politically charged frescoes to Banksy’s provocative street art, murals occupy a unique space where art and activism meet everyday life.
For Zarutska, the goal is not just to decorate walls, but to ignite conversations about resilience, migration, and hope. Her imagery—a recurring motif of women with outstretched arms, eyes that seem both weary and unyielding, and birds breaking free from cages—has been praised for its emotional immediacy.
Art critics believe that placing her murals in highly visible American spaces could resonate with communities far beyond the Ukrainian diaspora.
“These murals will become part of the urban fabric, reminders of both global struggle and the human spirit,” said Dr. Helen Garcia, an art historian at Columbia University. “Zarutska’s work belongs on a scale this grand.”
An Unlikely Pairing of Patrons
The fact that Musk and Tate are the driving financial forces behind the project has, predictably, stirred as much attention as the art itself.
Musk, known for his ventures in electric cars, space travel, and social media, often positions himself as a patron of innovation and disruption. Tate, a former kickboxer turned influencer, is far more controversial, with critics accusing him of toxic masculinity and polarizing rhetoric.
Yet in this case, both men appear to be aligned on a singular purpose: promoting Zarutska’s message.
“This is one of those moments where who’s behind the check matters less than what the check is funding,” said Donovan. “Art has a way of transcending the politics of its patrons.”
What Comes Next
The fund’s organizers say work is already underway to secure locations for the murals, with announcements expected in the coming months. New York City is likely to host the first installation, with Los Angeles not far behind.
In addition, Zarutska herself is expected to embark on a U.S. tour later this year, meeting with local artists, communities, and city officials to collaborate on the projects.
For the artist, the project represents not just professional success, but also a form of healing. “I want my art to belong to the people, to live on their streets, to speak to their struggles as much as mine,” Zarutska said in a recent interview. “If my murals can inspire even one person to keep going, then it is worth everything.”
A Face Soon Seen Everywhere
With $2 million in backing and momentum building, one thing seems clear: America is about to become a vast canvas for Zarutska’s vision. From skyscraper walls to neighborhood blocks, her striking imagery may soon be as recognizable in U.S. cities as the street art legends who came before her.
“You’re going to see Iryna Zarutska’s face all over America,” Donovan said. “And that’s exactly the point.”
As the fund continues to grow and plans take shape, the combination of high-profile patrons, a powerful artistic message, and the enduring resilience of a young woman from Ukraine may prove to be one of the most unexpected cultural stories of the year.
