Pabst Blue Ribbon and Monster Children are redirecting their partnership to help create an environment of support and a platform for artists during the global pandemic.
As a response to the temporary closing of art galleries which has made traditional art sales unviable, the duo is launching Blue Ribbon Studios (BRS) — a series of initiatives aimed at supporting artists through a program of artist residencies, virtual art shows and an ambitious commission plan engaging hundreds of artists around the country.
To house the residency program this fall, Monster Children and PBR are revamping 1700 Naud, the DTLA-based gallery and creative space that Monster Children has curated the past two years. Providing local artists with a large gallery space, ample time, and a budget to create, the residency program will commission artist collectives and give them the opportunity of keeping 100% of the art sales from their shows. The artists, along with BRS, will create additional forms of revenue for local charities and organizations that support the art community in Los Angeles.
Kevin Duffel, General Manager of Monster Children USA, believes that BRS will provide an important opportunity for local artists. “Since the beginning of the quarantine, we’ve been developing ideas to directly support artists who would normally be making a living from their art sales. We’re more than excited to launch BRS and provide artists not only with a creative environment but also with financial support and a platform to share their work.”
Another initiative of BRS is the launch of a group show slated to go live via an online auction in November. Featuring around fifty commissioned artists from all over the USA, “Coast to Coast” will be an online show accessible to anyone in the country. 100% of the art sales generated by the show will benefit Inner-City Arts, an organization whose mission is to engage young people in the creative process in order to shape a society of creative, confident and collaborative individuals.
Inspired by local artists and galleries that have a strong commitment to supporting their local communities, BRS will directly support dozens of artists financially and provide them with the tools to stay creative and inspired during the ongoing global crisis.
“The launch of Blue Ribbon Studios will allow us to continue our mission to help curate, support, and provide a platform for the next generation of artists. Our goal is to showcase and build our brand through this partnership with Monster Children by supporting artists that reflect the culture of Pabst Blue Ribbon.” – Andrew Heard, Brand Manager of Culture for Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Pabst Blue Ribbon has a long history of supporting artists. For years, Pabst Blue Ribbon has featured emerging artists by showcasing their designs on millions of cans and packaging. In addition, the brand has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in grants to artists to help further their careers.
Monster Children magazine launched in Sydney Australia in 2003 and Los Angeles in 2010, and has since grown to include online publishing platforms, a creative agency, and a film production business with clients and partners including adidas, Levi’s, Converse, Vans, Fender, and GoPro.
Follow @monsterchildren and @pabstblueribbon for more information coming soon.
