Art Series Hotels invites punters to ‘Stay the night. Steal the art.’ in new Naked campaign

Art has a history of theft and heist, a history that Melbourne has shared. In 1986, Picasso’s Weeping Woman was stolen from Melbourne’s National Gallery Victoria and held for ransom.  There have also been rumours of a Banksy being stolen in the streets of Melbourne.

Now Art Series Hotels, via Naked Communications, Melbourne, is offering the public the chance to steal a Banksy for themselves, No Ball Games.  This work is just one of a handful of signed and authenticated Banksy’s available in Australia (valued at $15,000).  From 15th December 2011 till 15th January 2012, Art Series Hotel guests will have the opportunity to try and steal it.  If they succeed, it’s theirs to keep.  If they get caught, back on the wall it goes.

Expert in street art and editor of Invurt Magazine, Fletcher Andersen, said: “Banksy has helped to place a global spotlight on the street art genre, transformed multiple urban spaces and become a household name in the process.  The chance to own one of his works is a great opportunity, and more than worthy of a heist attempt.”

Will Deague, CEO of Art Series Hotels, said: “The Art Series Hotel Group is passionate about supporting the arts in Melbourne and we’re very excited about the StealBanksy concept.”

Says Matt Houltham, Managing Director of Naked Communications, Melbourne: “We’re pleased to be involved. It’s always nice to twist convention on its head”.

stealbanksy.com.au

Twitter: @stealbanksy

Facebook: facebook.com/artserieshotels