The Big Art Project

Ever been out walking the streets and seen some cool graffiti or street art? Well, Channel 4 has launched a campaign called the Big Art Project encouraging happy snappers to capture any spontaneous street art and send it via MMS or email in order to create a record of art throughout the UK. For every entry submitted, a marker will be added to the map on the site.

The website http://www.bigartmob.com/ is also attempting to begin the debate around what 'public art' actually is, prior to Channel 4's new TV show launch, The Big Art Project, which will be broadcast later in 2008.

By entering you are up for the chance to win an extremely funky Ben the Illustrator print http://www.bentheillustrator.com/. Very cool if you ask me!

Win your very own Empire Film Award

With many brands taking the route down that of user generated content, Sony Ericsson and Empire magazine have come up with a great idea to support this years Empire Film Awards.

'Done in 60 Seconds' challenges aspiring directors and film makers to recreate their favourite film into a 60 second reel. Five entries will be shortlisted and Empire readers can then vote for the best one, who'll then have it screened at the awards in front of industry moguls and also live on ITV 2. A brilliant competition with an even better prize.

You can check out Empire's own attempt at The Bourne Ultimatum and find out more info at:

http://www.empireonline.com/awards2008/donein60seconds/

Sabotage Stupidity

With the ski season hotting up, Snowboard brand Burton has launched their latest campaign fueling the continuing battle on the slopes between Skiers and boarders.

'Sabotage Stupidity' certainly takes user generated content to another level. There are still 4 resorts in North America that don't allow snowboarding, so Burton have laid down the gauntlet and thrown down a cash reward of $5,000 to the person or crew who submit the best video 'poach' at each of the resorts, encouraging boarders to go where they are not allowed, and documenting it in true rebellious boarding style.

A very risky and controversial move by the brand, but very much targeting their key consumers at a time when many brands are jumping on the band wagon of less exciting user generated activities.

One might be thinking that surely this raises some legal issues, but Burton have included the 10 commandments of 'poaching' which include, 'whatever you do, don't break the law' and 'remember, ass out, knees down in the moguls'.

Check out the viral and the website here:

http://www.burton.com/poachers/Default.aspx



Keep it peaceful maaaaaan (Commandment no.5)