Containing performances from popular artists such as Sting, Dave Matthews, Imogen Heap, Moby and Alanis Morissette, The Art Of Peace is meant to draw attention to the absence of many fundamental freedoms under Chinese rule.

The Art Of Peace Foundation is also suggesting that those competing in the Olympic Games in Beijing wear an iPod. It is the Foundation’s position that wearing the portable music player is “a simple yet powerful symbol of personal freedom.”

At this time the album is exclusively available on iTunes, but will hit all retail outlets on August 12.

Chinese officials had promised “free and unfettered” access to Internet sites, but during the last week of July it was discovered that the Chinese government blocked several sites it deemed to be too controversial, including sites belonging to Amnesty International and a site inspired by the 1989 Tiananmen Square student protest.

“We support the Olympics, the athletes and the accomplishments of the Chinese citizens in hosting the Olympics,” said Art Of Peace Executive Director Michael Wohl. “If Olympic athletes cannot speak their conscience, however, the Chinese government is treating Olympic athletes like modern day gladiators to be used for sport and entertainment. This is against everything the Olympics stand for. One can’t support the Olympics while denying athletes their fundamental freedom of speaking the truth.”