In collaboration with renowned contemporary artist Hebru Brantley, Bombay Sapphire is calling on artists across North America to design its 2021 Holiday Spray Can Edition. As a tribute to street art, and a nod to the early beginnings of Brantley’s career, the unconventional edition will feature a spray can outfitted to house the famed brand‘s iconic Gin bottle. The Selected Creator will be chosen by Brantley, and will receive a $5,000 creative bursary, as well as a mentorship with Brantley himself. The winning design will also be produced and sold across the United States and Canada in 2021.
As an extension of Bombay Sapphire’s Stir Creativity platform, the expansive search for an undiscovered voice to design next year’s Holiday Spray Can Edition embodies the brand’s ongoing mission to inspire and awaken creative potential within all. Bombay Sapphire has a longstanding history in championing equal representation in the arts and fostering creative self-expression, most notably through its annual emerging arts competitionw such as the Artisan Series, Most Imaginative Bartender Competition, and the recent release of the Hebru Brantley Limited Edition bottle benefitting Black Lives Matter Chicago.
“Since its inception, Bombay Sapphire has always stood for creative self-expression,” explains Tom Spaven, Brand Director for Bombay Sapphire gin. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Hebru Brantley in this mission to spotlight emerging talents. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to create alternative pathways for new voices to be heard and recognized.”
“Back in 2011, I was an up-and-coming artist from the South Side of Chicago and qualified as a finalist for the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, which was a turning point in my career,” says Hebru Brantley. “I’m excited to be paying it forward by selecting a rising artist to mentor, inspire hope for a better future, and have their work seen on a national platform.”
Bombay Sapphire has developed a creative brief with guidelines for underrepresented artists via Talenthouse, and is accepting design submissions now through October 29. The selection process will be led by the Bombay Sapphire judging panel who will identify ten finalists at the end of October. In early November, Hebru will identify the Selected Creator who will receive a mentorship with him to collaborate on the final design of the limited-edition gift pack.
“Creativity and diversity have never been so important,” says Laura Campbell, SVP and Global Head of Partnerships at TLNT Holdings. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Bombay Sapphire as they share our vision for democratizing the creative process and giving opportunities for creators from every walk of life to realise their creative potential.”
The Bombay Sapphire Holiday Spray Can Edition featuring the winning design is scheduled to be released for sale in the U.S. during the 2021 Holiday Season.
