Graffiti Life and ad:tech Charity Art Auction

LONDON, October 14, 2011 -

Following the success of the graffiti wall at ad:tech London, Graffiti Life and ad:tech will be auctioning off sections of the artwork in aid of the charities: Children’s Trust and Graffiti Life in the Community

Digital marketing show, ad:tech London, had a quirky surprise in store for visitors to the Kensington Olympia venue. Above the hustle and bustle of the show floor, the gallery level sported a 2.5-meter tall and 50-meter long graffiti wall sponsored by social media agency, Buddy Media. The wall, which was completed during the event, was created by Graffiti company, Graffiti Life, and used mediums such as marker pens and spray cans. The proceeds of this auction will be split between two worthwhile causes: The Children’s Trust, and Graffiti Life in the Community.

     (Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20111014/487047-a )

     (Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20111014/487047-b )

     (Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20111014/487047-c )

The auction will include six lots, with a £200 reserve on each lot. It will be open from 9am on 12 October to 5pm on 19 October on Ebay. Three of the lots are below and more information can be found at graffitilife.co.uk/graffiti-life-news/index.php/uncategorized/graffiti-life-charity-auction.

ad:tech has a history of supporting charities, last year’s recipient was children’s hospice Richard House. ad:tech head of UK Christophe Asselin says that ad:tech was keen to combine the creativity of the digital marketing industry with ad:tech’s continuing commitment to giving back to the community. “We are delighted to support Graffiti Life and its chosen charity. Marketers are creative people and digital marketing is the convergence of art, creativity and technology.”

Graffiti Life artistic director, David Speed, worked on the portraits on a section of the wall. “The idea was to show people of all ages and backgrounds ‘connecting’,” says Speed. “We suggested donating to the Children’s Trust and their ‘School for Profound Education’ as the school provides an amazing service, caring for children with severe disabilities.

“It is an organisation close to my heart as they cared for and looked after my late sister, Joanna, for 14 years of her short life. It was clear that Joanna loved being at school and she developed a special relationship with many of the staff.

“ad:tech is excited to help out with such a fun and important project that will hopefully help to support young people,” says Asselin.

The auction will split proceeds 50/50 between the Children’s Trust and Graffiti Life’s own charity, Graffiti Life in the Community. Speed explains: “Graffiti speaks to young people like very little else can. Whether your aim is to educate, inspire or rehabilitate, driving community values along the way, we have found a unique platform for reaching out to and engaging young people on their level.”

Graffiti Life in the Community aims to help young people through projects such as community workshops in youth groups, schools, colleges, and educational programmes for those expelled from main stream education. By sharing motivational stories and the past experiences of some of the artists, while creating with them a masterpiece they can call their own, Graffiti Life in the Community hopes to reinforce values of community teamwork, improvement, and pride in ones actions and achievements.

It also hopes to put money towards community cleanups. “Much of what people see as graffiti is unsightly ‘tagging’, or defacing of property,” says Speed. “We hope to change the face of graffiti in the community, to educate the young and old alike, to give people the opportunity to create something that they will be proud of and protect.

“The benefit of reaching out to young people such as these in a way which appeals to them is undeniable. By offering them the opportunity to learn and create, and to mix with other young people on an even footing, not only gives valuable experience, it also gives them something to get their teeth into; an enriching project they can truly be proud of.”

Notes to Editors:

>>>View a video of the graffiti wall at ad:tech London

ad:tech London 2011 is taking place at Olympia National, London, 19-20 September 2012.

Twitter: #adtech @adtech_London

About ad:tech

ad:tech London is part of the Daily Mail Group. And, as it is now in its seventh year in the UK, is firmly established as the premier UK Exhibition and Conference exclusively dedicated to the online advertising and marketing sector. ad:tech comprises of a conference, exhibition and educational seminars.

This year, speakers included: Google, Facebook, YouTube, Ebay, Virgin, Forbes, Orange, Disney, O2, Amazon, Nike, AOL, Euro RSCG, G2, LBi and the Guardian.

ad:tech aims to address the dynamic digital marketplace and the issues facing advertising and marketing functions to make sure they stand out from the crowd and discover the next generation of opportunities.

The show originates from the USA, where for 16 years it has been showcasing. Underpinned by the support of industry leaders, key associations, governmental organisations and academic experts, ad:tech London’s reach extends to every marketing decision maker throughout Europe.

ad:tech conferences currently take place in New York, San Francisco, London, Melbourne, Sydney, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo and New Dehli. ad:tech will continue to expand globally in order to provide online marketing communities with great opportunities to network, share best practices and ideas everywhere in the world.

About dmg :: events

dmg :: events is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT www.dmgt.co.uk), one of the largest media companies in the United Kingdom. dmg :: events was founded in 1989 and in 20 years has managed Exhibitions, Conferences and online platforms for many industries in 25 countries. dmg :: events produces more than 300 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year and publishes 45 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg :: events employs more than 700 people and maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, India, China and Australia. dmg :: events is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), one of the largest and most successful media companies in the UK. For more information on dmg events please visit www.dmgevents.com.

For further information, please contact:
Graffiti Life e. info at graffitilife.co.uk ; Catherine Thurtle , t. +44(020)3180-6594, e., catherinethurtle at dmgevents.com ; Christophe Asselin , t. +44(0)20-3180-6678, e :, christopheasselin at dmgevents.com