Lance Armstrong and Nike came together to officially announce and unveil the Nike Stages Collection, a “global art exhibition and sale that provides a new way to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and its LIVESTRONG™ Global Cancer Campaign”.

“Stages” brings together close to 20 of the world’s most creative and diverse artists to create original works of art inspired by Armstrong. This unique project brings together the world of art, philanthropy and sport, in a way never before seen, to create artwork that represents the power of human potential in overcoming adversity.

Artists participating in the “Stages” tour include names such as Shepard Fairey, , Tom Sachs, Barry McGee and Marc Newson. All artists will begin working on their pieces between now and July, leading to an exhibition at the world renowned Emmanuel Perrotin Gallery in Paris on July 16th, 2009.

To further support the fight against cancer, Nike is releasing two sportswear collections, all proceeds of which will be contributed to the LAF. There will be a “Hope Rides Again” apparel and footwear collection and footwear “Greatest Hits” pack. Artists participating in the “Stages” tour include: Shepard Fairey, Tom Sachs, Geoff McFetridge, Raymond Pettibon, José Parlá, Ed Ruscha, Kaws, Christopher Wool, Dzine, Eric White, Barry McGee, Kenny Scharf, Os Gêmeos, Marc Newson, Rosson Crow, Taryn Simon, JR, sh*t Nara, Suejin Chung, Lari Pittman, Aaron Young and Jules de Balincourt.”

The Greatest Hits “Stages” collection features Livestrong colorways of an Air Footscape Woven, and, Livestrong reinterpretations of the Busy P Nike Air Force 1, the FLOM Nike SB Dunk, and the Mr. Cartoon Nike Air Force 1. All of the sneakers feature a combo of the Livestrong Black and Yellow palette. There is no specific release date set as of now, but, all four will hit retail.

Info via KATC