VIZ Media announced today a collaboration with Autodesk to create a limited edition digital art book anthology that will be sold through VIZ Media’s Manga App, with 100% of VIZ Media’s net proceeds going to support disaster relief efforts in Japan. All of the artwork in the collection, titled Art for Hope, will be created using Autodesk SketchBook digital paint and drawing software applications.

VIZ Media and Autodesk have already started working with artists to create works that deliver a message of hope to victims of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Artists interested in submitting work to be considered for the collection can email artforhope@viz.com. The VIZ Media editorial team, together with Autodesk’s team, will select and curate the selections for the digital anthology, which will be released later this fall exclusively through the VIZ Manga App, available on iPad, iPod touch and iPhone.

“It has been several months since the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, and financial support is needed now more than ever,” said VIZ Media President Hidemi Fukuhara. “Art for Hope is a very special project for VIZ Media, and we thank Autodesk for making it possible for artists and fans to support the relief efforts in such a unique manner.”

Autodesk and VIZ Media will unveil some of the artwork from the Art for Hope project at the VIZ Media 25th Anniversary Event to be held during Comic-Con on Thursday, July 21st at the Andaz Hotel in San Diego. VIZ Media will also announce a groundbreaking new initiative for the manga community.