Banksy or Pranks-y?: Banksy tagging of retailer Make Meaning's New York City store revealed as brazen marketing stunt

NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative entertainment and events giant Make Meaning long discussed how to decorate the facade of their four story building which towers high on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Inspired by the brazen creativity of guerilla street artist Banksy, and the fact that he had not yet found an Upper East Side target, the CEO and CMO arranged for renowned New York street artist Alex Gardega, recently covered by the NY Post for his "Go Home Bansky" mural, to spray paint the building with a Banksy-esque silhouette in the middle of the night. Dubbed "Fishing forTime" as a nod to the retailer's mission to provide a fun and creative environment to enjoy ever-elusive quality family time, the Alice-In-Wonderland inspired piece debuted in the early hours, and instantly sent hundreds of people to the storefront, taking photographs and posting their find online, where an intense debate ensued around the validity of the piece. The piece also paid tribute to the NYC landmark "Yorkville Clock" which stands in front of Make Meaning.  Excited viewers tweeted and posted that the clock was set to 5:00 PM, which was the time of Banksy's scheduled reveal, which for some confirmed that this was in fact Banksy's latest piece. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131105/NY09778) 

"What started as a fun experiment quickly became a huge moment in guerilla marketing inspired by a guerilla artist," said Amy Kotulski, CMO of Make Meaning, who also arranged a security team to add extra credibility to the scene, and was later actually used to maintain crowd control.

CEO Dan Nissanoff was overwhelmed by the response, which became an immediate viral hit on Facebook and Instagram, and an all-day frenzy ensued as tourists and locals demanded access and entrance to the always-crowded crafting and party destination which is frequented by many celebrities and A-listers.  "Retailers will use their windows to attract customers and evolve seasonally, but they usually don't consider what an impact their facade can make on the public until they make a change. As a creativity-based destination which is uniquely experiential, it seems totally appropriate to communicate to consumers and our community in such a fearless and dynamic way."

Kotulski and Nissanoff chose not to share their experiment with their employees, many of whom are artists and were among the most excited about the apparent Banksy tagging.  Due to the enormity of the feedback and excitement from the public, Make Meaning plans to create evolving murals on their facade in the upcoming months.

"I can't wait to see what they do next," says Janet Dulon, visiting from Portland, OR. 

About Make Meaning
www.makemeaning.com
Make Meaning is a world class events and entertainment destination that brings guests of all ages together to have fun and be creative.  Make Meaning's unique brand of entertainment is delivered through unexpected and unconventional high quality Creative Experiences that inspires, surprises and delights.

Make Meaning has two locations in New York City, in the Upper East Side (1501 Third Avenue, between 84^th/ 85^th streets) and the Upper West Side (329 Columbus Avenue, between 75^th/ 76^th streets).  Make Meaning also has a location in Scottsdale, Arizona at the Shops at Scottsdale Quarter (15279 N. Scottsdale Road), Legacy Place Shopping Center (680 Legacy Place) in Dedham, Massachusetts and The Oaks Mall (196 W. Hillcrest Suite 160).  For more information, or to book a visit, please visit www.makemeaning.com.

Media Contacts

Amy Kotulski
Phone: 646.599.3061
[email protected]

SOURCE Make Meaning