Art and Culture Event Collaborations

Street Art Bottled. When street art hits packaging design, it either fades into the background or blows things up. We've all seen collaborations that miss the mark, feeling more like marketing stunts than genuine partnerships. But André Saraiva—better known for his playful, winking Mr. A—knows how to ignite something fresh. His graffiti has brightened streets from Paris to Tokyo, and now he's channelling that bold, street-smart energy into packaging, giving products a raw edge that feels anything but ordinary. The 1664 x André collaboration is a creative takeover, showcasing André's signature style as if it were spray-painted directly onto the beer's labels and packaging. This partnership isn't just about bottles—it's envisioned as a global celebration of creativity and free spirits, bringing André's art to key markets around the world. Mr. A's face instantly adds an edge, turning an everyday purchase into a statement piece—a reflection of urban life where art and culture intersect. This is design that taps into something real, connecting deeply with the streets. For 1664, a brand with a rich heritage in Parisian beer, this collaboration signals a significant shift. It shows that even established brands can take risks and evolve with the times. By incorporating this unique artistic vision, they break away from the ordinary, turning their packaging into part of a cultural dialogue. André's impact extends beyond just this collaboration. Known for his vibrant "Love Graffiti," which personalises art with names in bold colours, he's transformed nightlife across cities like Paris, New York, and Tokyo, infusing clubs with a sense of playful energy. This partnership with 1664 brings that same spirit into the hands of consumers, making the product something people don't just consume but truly connect with. To kick off this collaboration, a limited edition beer, Blanc de Blanc, launched at Copenhagen Fashion Week, where a special 1664 kiosk offered a blend of Danish hygge and exclusive merchandise. This vibrant space showcased the brand's playful essence, connecting it to Denmark's dynamic fashion and cultural scene. The 1664 x André project is a perfect example of how packaging can carry a brand's identity while pushing boundaries. It shows that great design can infuse products with culture and attitude, making packaging an experience. Definitely where packaging design needs to go—more creativity, and more risk-taking. So, what do you think of this collab—authentic or forced? 📷André Saraiva

I’m tired of seeing American events built like a one-size fits all hat that never really fits. Let’s get real: the U.S. is on of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world. And yet, so many corporate events act like everyone in the room comes from the same household. My background, palate, lived experiences and expectations should not be excluded from your event. I’m not just saying this ↳There are over 350 languages spoken in U.S. homes ↳Houston ranks among the very top city for racial and ethnic diversity ↳NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, San Antonio all hosts populations from multiple continents with dozens of cultural communities Last week I was at a retreat in Peru that absolutely nailed how culture deepens event experiences. ↳Cultural breakout sessions embedded local voices, artist perspectives and traditions ↳Entertainment came from local performers, not imported talent ↳Speakers adopted local design motifs in their slides, menus had not a single continental breakfast in sight Our event attendees are not a cultural monolith and they don’t deserve a “this is how we always do it” experience. Lets Stop: - Diminishing belonging - Wasting impact with copy cat event styles - Removing culture which builds trust, emotional connection and meaning To my CEOs, Marketing Teams, Comms and Event Leads….. Here’s how you do better with your next event: ↳Start by mapping the cultures in the city your event is hosted in and know who lives there. ↳Make local culture (food, visuals, design, entertainment) part of the design element – not an add-on. ↳Empower local voices and let them shape part of your event. Culture isn’t about division. It is how we deconstruct invisible walls and see how unique differences are sources of strength. The next time you plan an event, ask yourself – did we invite everyone in or did we push them out before registration started?

I'm working with a brand right now on how they are activating their partnership and how to tie it back to the community.... Sports sponsorships are more than branding, exposure, or selling their produce or service. They are powerful tools for community engagement and development. When done right, these partnerships have a ripple effect extending far beyond the game, impacting local economies, schools, and families. Here are a few ways sports sponsorships are making a difference in communities: - Mental Health: Local businesses that sponsor teams, like Bellin Health's partnership with the Green Bay Packers, benefit from increased brand exposure through their mental health film room. This strategy drives traffic to their services, showcasing all areas of health and wellness. - Youth Development: Sports sponsorships often fund youth programs that offer access to facilities, coaching, and competitions. For example, Comcast's investment in the Philadelphia 76ers' youth basketball camps has created more opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the court, giving them a path to scholarships and future careers. - Environmental Impact: The Minnesota Timberwolves, with their partner Xcel Energy, launched the "Carbon Offset Initiative" to reduce the carbon footprint of their games. This initiative helps educate fans on sustainability and funds community-driven environmental programs like tree planting and renewable energy projects, showing how sports can inspire eco-friendly change. - Fostering Local Art & Culture The Miami Heat, through their partnership with American Airlines, sponsor local art exhibits and cultural events. Together, they created the "Art of Basketball" initiative, which brings local artists together to create murals and installations, celebrating Miami's cultural diversity while giving emerging talent a platform to showcase their work. The impact of sports sponsorships goes beyond advertising; they create meaningful, lasting change in the communities they support. By aligning with teams, local businesses can drive progress, nurture talent, and strengthen connections that enrich lives and livelihoods. We're here to help. #SportsBiz #Sponsorship #HeretoHelp