Tag Archives: art and culture

ARTiSTORY appoints Georgina Heatley as new licensing and editorial assistant

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The cultural IP licensing unit, ARTiSTORY has appointed Georgina Heatley as its new licensing and editorial assistant, joining co-founders Yizan He and Natasha Dyson on the mission to ‘transform artefacts to merchandise.’

As part of the business’ endeavour, ARTiSTORY sets out to reach global audiences with well designed merchandise that is inspired by art and culture, offering an immersive retailing experience and telling stories via digital content and pop-up exhibitions.

The team is focused on helping cultural organisations ‘go beyond the walls of their buildings and expand their reach to a much wider audience,’ while generating sustainable revenue that can be used to support their operations.

“We’re thrilled to have Georgina on board,” said Natasha Dyson on behalf of the team. “Georgina shares ARTiSTORY’s passion for storytelling, art, history and cultural heritage with experience gained in both the licensing and heritage sectors, having worked with a wealth of licensees at Historic Royal Palaces. 

“Georgina’s role will see her working closely with the creative team researching artefacts across a range of the world’s top cultural organisations to develop design themes and assets.”

Georgina Heatley, licensing and editorial assistant, added: “I am honoured and excited to be joining ARTiSTORY as the licensing and editorial assistant. With my background as an Archaeologist and Sociocultural Historian, and previous role in heritage licensing with Historic Royal Palaces, ARTiSTORY’s mission and values resonate closely with my own.

“Learning and sharing history, art and culture through stories is a skill and tradition shared globally. I am looking forward to bringing this into merchandise, experiences and creative themes and trends with a some of the world’s top art and culture organisations from museums and galleries to science centres and libraries.”

Frida Kahlo socks it to the man in ‘rebel style’ with new Calzedonia partnership

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Art Ask Agency is continuing to grow the Frida Kahlo licensing programme – and socking it the restrictions of the pandemic –  having secured a new collaboration with the global legwear and beachwear retailer, Calzedonia.

Under the new deal, Calzedonia will launch a range of socks featuring seven different Frida Kahlo designs to cater for differing consumer targets and styles, including casual, elegant, and sports. The firm will also launch a collection of four embellished tights in a campaign that will be supplemented with marketing communications in stores worldwide.

“We are extremely proud and honoured to be partnering with the amazing team at Calzedonia for this licensed product collection and we can’t wait for the launch,” said Maria Strid, owner of Art Ask Agency.

“Kahlo’s signature style, from long circle skirts to embroidered blouses and intricate floral compositions in her hair, is rich with aesthetic imagery and has allowed the artist to resonate with audiences even in the 21st century, becoming the focus of international fashion and inspiring the collections of haute couturiers and the fashion world in general, from runways to streetwear trends,” said the Calzedonia press team in a statement.

“Socks, entirely on-trend today and stars of countless cool outfits in recent months (loungewear and otherwise), come alive with fun, bright prints in true ‘Rebel’ style.”

Jewel Branding and Licensing celebrates Black History Month with artist and influencer showcase

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Jewel Branding and Licensing is marking Black History Month by highlighting and celebrating the black artists, designers, and influencers from across its portfolio, including Kendra Dandy of Bouffants & Broken Hearts, and Jessi Raulet of Etta Vee.

Now featured on the homepage of Walmart.com as part of the retailer’s own celebration of Black History Month, Kendra Dandy has become a revered name across the art scene as well as an exciting licensing partner across the greetings, stationery, and lifestyle sectors.

Bouffants & Broken Hearts’ Kendra Dandy

Most recently Dandy’s Bouffants & Broken Hearts brand joined forces with Athleta for a collection of masks and t-shirts as part of its limited edition artist series. Meanwhile, American Greetings partnered with Dandy to launch an endcap collection of greetings cards slated for release at a major US retailer this year.

International growth for Bouffants & Broken Hearts has arrived via partnerships with Vadobag, Stationery Team, Bagtrotter, Vivat, and Top Creative, all launching across Europe. The popular Dutch online kids’ clothing retailer Kleertjes is scheduled to launch an exclusive Bouffants kids’ clothing collection through licensee Retail Tribes.

The personalised online card retailer Moonpig is refreshing Kendra’s collection of cards with some new sassy designs in the UK. Additionally, Dandy has signed with Chinese subagent Zenulla, who is working on key promotional and product opportunities in China.

Meanwhile, 2021 has been earmarked as a ‘big year’ for EttaVee.

Founder of EttaVee, Jessi Raulet

LANG is scheduled to release a new EttaVee collection of calendars, stationery and gift products that will be available at retailers including Barnes & Noble and Walgreens, American Greetings has partnered with founder Jessi Raulet to create a collection of greeting cards that will be featured on an end-cap in a major national retailer, and this summer, Fit & Fresh is launching a collection of Etta Vee lunch bags and lunch kits at key retailers in time for back-to-school.

Elsewhere, Riley Blake will release a collection of apparel fabric in collaboration with Fabric.com and Tervis has a collection of drinkware available on Tervis.com and Target.com.

Stay tuned for a big announcement about a brand new collaboration for EttaVee in the home space slated to launch this summer.

Jewel Branding and Licensing also handles the licensing programme for Nikki Chu for whom 2021 promises to be a busy year, too.

Nikki Chu Home continues to be a top selling name in home fashions and décor with a line of rugs, bedding, decorative pillows, throws and wall art. Chu recently launched a new collection of home products exclusively through Walmart.com. York Wallcoverings has been recently signed to develop a unique collection of peel & stick wallpaper, slated to launch later this year.

Celebrity interior designer, Nikki Chu

Additionally, Chu recently signed with a leading home décor partner and will be introducing home décor accessories and accent furniture later this year. Her wall art continues to sell out at all major retailers, and most recently she was profiled on FineArtCanvas.com.

“I feel fortunate to be partnered with Jewel Branding & Licensing because they understand the importance of highlighting a diverse portfolio of designers,” said Nikki Chu.

“The success of my line has been years in the making and I’m thrilled that retailers and consumers are committed to amplifying black female designers like me.”

Rights & Brands signs ‘Master of horror’ artist Hans Arnold with portfolio of 2,000 illustrations

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Rights & Brands has signed with Hans Arnold Productions to represent the ‘Master of Horror’ artist and illustrator and his portfolio of surrealistic, horror, mystery, and fantasy art.

A Swiss-Swedish artist who died in 2010, Hans Arnold has often been referred to as the ‘Swedish Salvador Dali’, recognised for a style that makes everyday items appear ghostlike and unsettling.

Having grown up in a strict and conservative Catholic area in Sursee, Switzerland, Arnold has attributed his obsession with horror, fairytales, and women, to his upbringing.

“My sister adored nuns and dragged me to the Catholic church,” he said of his childhood. “Mother was a protestant and dragged me to the Protestant church. My grandfather was a train driver and took me to the pub.

“In church, I learned all about hell, at the pub I learned all about beer, swearing and telling filthy stories.”

After finishing art school in Luzern and traveling Europe, Arnold settled in Stockholm in Sweden where he worked as an illustrator for magazines, papers, and children’s books. He finally got his big break as the ‘Master of Horror’ while illustrating short stories known as Veckans chock in the women’s magazine Veckorevyn.

Alongside children’s book illustrations, Arnold is well known for ABBA’s Greatest hits cover. He also made a name for himself in animation, TV vignettes, opera, theatre, and TV scenorgraphy.

Rights & Brands now represents a portfolio of over 2,000 illustrations created by the artist.

Anne Stokes partners with What’s Your Passion Jewelry for fantasy collection

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What’s Your Passion Jewelry has partnered with the fantasy artist, Anne Stokes to create two new pieces designed to embody the unique and magical in the Celtic Dragon Necklace and Dragon Medal Necklace.

The collaboration marks the latest addition to What’s Your Passion Jewelry’s growing portfolio of licensed that includes partnerships with the likes of Marvel and Shield Hero.

The jewelry is hand crafted in the USA by a team of skilled artisans under the What’s Your Passion brand – a name that has been making fine jewelry for decades. Each item is shipped carefully in a collector’s box that can be used as a display. All items in the collection are .925 sterling silver.

“What’s Your Passion Jewelry make some really elegant jewelry in gold and silver. This delicate pendant is a really lovely rendition of my Celtic Dragon motif that features in many of my fantasy artworks. Silver has often been associated in folklore with protection from evil. For example, it’s only with a silver bullet that you can kill a werewolf,” said Stokes.

Anne Stokes posts weekly online video content exploring how the artist uses fantasy myths and legends in her artwork. The content has built up an audience of fans, while licensees benefit from having their products featured alongside the artworks.

The Anne Stokes Collection covers a broad range of Fantasy subjects including Unicorns, Enchanted Forests, Gothic themes and Dragons, from the famous artist Anne Stokes. Assets include main artworks, patterns, elements and logos and is updated regularly with new content.

A solid, long standing brand with over 70 licensees and worldwide merchandise sales in mainstream, independent and online retailers as well as a massive following of loyal fans.

The deal was brokered by Anne Stokes’ global licensing agency, Art Ask Agency.

Poetic Brands teams with the National Gallery to launch art inspired apparel and accessories

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Apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has teamed up with the National Gallery to create a range of adult apparel and accessories based on its impressive and extensive artworks.

Incorporating a wide range of products, including adult daywear apparel and outerwear, swimwear, flip flops, beach bags and towels, adult nightwear and essentials, and accessories including caps and luggage, the move has been made in response to the growing interest in art in the licensed fashion sector.

The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and houses over 2,600 paintings from the late 13th to the early 20th century in Trafalgar Square. With one of the greatest collections of art in the world, the Gallery displays many world-famous works, such as van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, Velázquez’s The Rokeby Venus, Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands, said: “Over the past year we have seen a significant interest in art within the fast fashion segment of the industry and subsequent demand across the High Street. The National Gallery offers us a wealth of assets from a number of artists that translate beautifully onto apparel and nightwear. 

“We are also developing luggage which although isn’t hugely in demand at the moment, the time will come when we are all travelling again and this collection will provide premium, and easily identifiable pieces for consumers to be proud of on the carousel.

“Working closely with the team at the National Gallery, we have ensured that their art collection has in turn created a fashion collection that is already very much in demand.”

Judith Mather, buying and brand licensing director, the National Gallery, added: “We are very excited about the partnership with Poetic Brands which will bring old master paintings to a new audience. It is amazing to bring our collection to modern life.”

Cityneon partners with Museo Larco to introduce Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru

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The exhibition and live event specialist, Cityneon Holdings has entered into an agreement with Museo Larco and Inkaterra Asociacion, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Peru, to debut an exhibition of over 200 piece of rare artefacts from Peru that pre-date the Inca empire.

Called Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, the exhibition will feature pieces that are valued at around $250 million and will travel to various cities around the world.

Partnering with World Heritage Exhibitions as the exclusive global show operator and promoter, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will feature the largest gold collection to travel the world. It will also include a virtual walkthrough of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu.

Recent restrictions put in place to preserve the invaluable historical site, fewer than 1 million travellers are allowed entry into Machu Picchu every year. With the recent global pandemic situation, the need for social distancing and other measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, this number has further dipped to 250,000.

In Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, visitors will be treated to the story of the transformation of dozens of ancient cultures in Peru, starting with the Chavín culture, one of the earliest civilizations in the Americas, and stretching 3,000 years to the discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham III in 1911.

The highlight of the exhibition is a fully intact Gold attire of a Chimú emperor, that dates back to 1300 AD. The Chimú empire was born from the previous Moche state in the northern coast of Peru, centuries before the expansion of the Inca empire, that formed the largest empire of the Southern Hemisphere.

The Chimú attire is the expression of an imperial body dressed in gold, channelling the power of the Sun, representing this Andean God on earth, and it will be surrounded by more than 10 earlier royal gold and silver ancestral attires from the land of the Incas.

Ron Tan, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Cityneon, said: “We are honoured to be trusted by Museo Larco and the Government of Peru to showcase these treasures to the world. We believe our expertise and track records will let us do justice to these remarkable pieces of rare Machu Picchu artefacts and allow us to take visitors through big, wonderful experiences.

“We are thankful to work with partners as established as the Museo Larco, Inkaterra Asociación and World Heritage Exhibitions. Together, we are confident to showcase this thrilling exhibition about the ancient cultures who lived in this city 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains.”

With the limited entertainment options available as the world recovers from the unprecedented global pandemic situation, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will differentiate itself as a safe entertainment option due to the sheer size of the exhibition spanning over 1,500 square meters, allowing social distancing between visitors while they savour the 228 pieces of original Peruvian artefacts.

José Koechlin Von Stein, president of Inkaterra Asociación, added: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Cityneon. Their track records of holding interactive exhibitions means Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will be just as engaging as all their previous works, and we look forward to hosting millions at this historical, educational and fun exhibition while visitors learn about Peruvian history.

“We trust Cityneon’s vast expertise will truly bring ancient Peru to life.”

Andrés Alvarez-Calderón Larco, president of Museo Larco said: “We’re incredibly proud of our rich history and trust that Cityneon is the best partner to showcase the extraordinary and rich history of ancient Peru, bringing to life the various cultures that have lived in the land of the Incas and Machu Picchu over an astounding 5,000 years. We cannot wait for people all over the world to view these amazingly preserved artefacts up close.”

To hold the exhibition, Cityneon has assembled an experienced global team who would be able to handle the historical treasures. The Group’s subsidiary Victory Hill Exhibitions holds the world’s largest market share of Hollywood exhibition IPs globally, and it will make use of its vast industry experience in the curation of intellectual property in the travelling museums artefacts space.

The Met Museum to launch new kids’ books series with global publisher DK

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The global publishing house, DK, has landed a strategic commercial partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, to launch a range of children’s books that each take inspiration from art, history, and culture, to draw readers into the world curated by the museum.

Under the new deal, DK will commission original text and illustration, which will be informed with commentary by The Met’s unparalleled staff, works from the Museum collection, and archival assets to illustrate and explore 5,000 years of art.

The books will be available in bookstores across the world, including The Met Store.  

Mark Searle, DK’s publishing director, licensing, said: “The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a historic cultural institution and we are very proud to be their partner for this new range of books.

“We are excited to be part of The Met’s mission to make art more accessible, and it is an honour to share this content with readers in every continent.”  

Lisa Silverman Meyers, global head of licensing for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, added: “We are  absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with DK on this partnership. DK has a long tradition of  delivering content to children and families in the most engaging and interesting ways, and we are so pleased to be working with them to help us deliver our mission of access and education.

“As The Met  celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, we look forward to creating books where all children can  see themselves in these stories and activities.”  

DK will act as The Met’s strategic partner for children’s commercial publishing, worldwide and in all  languages, beginning with six children’s titles planned to publish next year. The list will include books  on art, history and culture.  

Geronimo Stilton becomes the official children’s virtual tour guide of Pompeii

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Atlantyca Entertainment’s Geronimo Stilton has become the official virtual tour guide for children visiting the UNESCO World Heritage’s Archaeological Site of Pompeii. The first video tour of the special campaign is now online and across all of Pompeii’s social media channels and websites.

Under the partnership, two more video tours will be launched in the forthcoming months. The agreement initially provides for maps and guides which will be followed by video content featuring the mouse journalist Geronimo Stilton as he accompanies fans on a visit of the archaeological sites, highlighting its history and monumental beauty.

The Archaeological site of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis/Torre Annunziata together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A World Heritage Site is a cultural or natural landmark that has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are deemed worthy of preservation due to their universal value to humanity, both today and for future generations.

The Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata’ was listed as World Heritage Site on December 6th, 1997, as Site number 829.

“We are so honored,” noted Atlantyca Entertainment’s Claudia Mazzucco. “Having Geronimo Stilton as an official guide for children, to introduce them to some of the greatest monuments and stories that Pompeii has to tell, is like another adventure.

“This special initiative perfectly combines Geronimo Stilton’s innate curiosity and renowned passion for sharing stories that encompass history, art and nature.”

Van Gogh Museum paints new partnership with US fashion house Robert Graham

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America’s eclectic fashion house, Robert Graham, has teams with the Van Gogh Museum to interpret the work of the iconic post-impressionist Vincent van Gogh in its Fall20 / Winter 21 collection. The range will be anchored around the brand’s Wearable Art pillar.

The deal has been managed by IMG, who has been working extensively with Robert Graham on the development and launch of the collection.

Dubbed as a “Brush with Greatness” and also featuring collaborations with Leroy Neiman and Ryan McGinness, the collection offers fans collectible artistry with a signature Robert Graham hand.

Andrew Berg, president of Robert Graham, commented: “The brand’s 20-year legacy, centered around fashion that is meant to be discussed, admired and collected, deeply ties us back to the world of art. That is who we are as a brand. The ability to feature iconic artists such as Vincent van Gogh through these collaborations allows us to officially marry art and fashion and make it our own.”

Sean Chadwick, VP of design at Robert Graham, added: “This anniversary collection intertwines masterpieces in the art world while celebrating signature Robert Graham design expertise: vivid #WearableArt prints, tracer embroidery, contrast motifs under the cuff and yarn-dyed details. The art of the detail in the details, is always the unexpected with our designs.”

Starting this November, the collection pieces will be available at select Robert Graham Stores across the US, and online via www.robertgraham.us and other high-end specialty boutiques.

IMG is the exclusive licensing representative for the Van Gogh Museum across various countries, including the US and countries in Asia, while its successful European programme is handled by Licensing Link. Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by the artist and serves as the official curator of the Van Gogh legacy.