Is creativity something strictly reserved for the creative department?

When Ad Lounge asked me to contribute an original piece of art to their fundraising event, “Art from the Unexpected”, I couldn’t resist the challenge. Ad Lounge has dared me and 19 other agency and marketing CEOs to create an original piece of art and present the concepts behind our creations at the event. On June 16th in Toronto, each CEO will be given one minute to present their art for auction; providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative minds of some of the industry’s leading business personalities.

It might surprise a few people to know that early in my career, I studied at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver. My painting for the auction, “Bloodsport,” depicts our current economic climate through the metaphor of a Bull and Bullfighter. Like a top marketer today, a Matador needs to be fit and fast in order to triumph and live.

I was drawn to participate in “Art From the Unexpected” because I welcomed the chance to return to my creative roots – and to support a unique and deserving cause.

Proceeds from the art auction will go to SKETCH; a Toronto charity that provides homeless youths with art studio space and supplies. DDB Canada has also lent its support to the charity auction by donating additional resources and by becoming the only agency Gold Sponsor.

I truly live each day being creative, which is why I see significant value in the artistic outlet that SKETCH provides. Creativity isn’t just a vital part of the advertising industry, it’s what gets me up and keeps me fresh and alive.

It’s also great to see an organization like Ad Lounge use entertaining ideas to rethink industry fundraising events and explore the nature of creativity.

If you’d like to know more, please follow me (@DDBFrank) being interviewed live on Twitter by Ad Lounge (@adlounge) on May 27th beginning at 8:30 p.m. PST.

Frank Palmer, CEO, DDB Group Canada
Posted on May 21, 2009 2:48 PM | Permalink

Comments (1)