Mural artwork by Mulga the Artist in Kings Cross, Sydney, 2022, for Coca-Cola as part of its nationwide advertising campaign. Image: Courtesy the artist.
These days it’s not uncommon to see an artist who’s working with a brand promoted under the guise of “artist x brand” – with the “x” used as a cool-style code for both parties’ affinity with each other.
These partnerships are indeed convivial collaborations and have neat creative potential. But they are also hard-nosed business deals for both artist and brand and, as such, there is a lot at stake.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
