Ukrainian creative agency Bickerstaff.734 implemented a campaign targeting the influential art world during Venice Biennale preview days.
At the 60th Venice Biennale, Ukrainian creative agency Bickerstaff.734 sparked conversations with their thought-provoking "Bomb Shelter Map" campaign. They placed postcards and banners featuring bomb shelter maps throughout the Biennale venue and Venice tourist locations. They targeted visitors – influential art and opinion leaders worldwide during the preview days.
The design mirrored the official Biennale maps, utilizing a bold red color to grab attention and highlight the stark reality of bomb shelter locations throughout Ukraine. The campaign aimed to challenge these opinion formers to confront the uncomfortable reality of war juxtaposed against the artistic beauty of the Biennale.
Reactions ranged from intrigued curiosity to passionate anger, sometimes people removed the poster, not being ready to see them. Also, many people were photographing maps and sharing them online.
The Bomb Shelter Map is an addition to the Pavilion's broader theme, "Net Making", which explores the importance of unity and collective action during difficult times. As Veronika Selega, CEO of the agency, underscored: “Every artist is our inspiration. They represent contemporary Ukraine so vividly that we are in love with this project. Therefore, we are honored to do our work for them, to tell the world about both contemporary Ukrainian art and once again have a reason (always have a reason) to remind the world about the bloody full-scale war in Ukraine”.
Act with a Purpose
Bickerstaff.734's "Bomb Shelter Map" campaign proves that art and creativity can go beyond aesthetics. This impactful campaign used creativity to ignite emotions, foster dialogue, and ultimately inspire action – reminding the world that the war in Ukraine is far from over, and Ukrainians continue to face the harsh reality of daily attacks.
