Heineken Announces the Winner of Its 2012 Black History Month Art Contest

NEW YORK, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Heineken announced Edmund Royster as the winner of Heineken's second annual Black History Month Art Contest. Royster, a Detroit native and recent Fine Arts graduate of Florida A&M University, will be awarded by Heineken $5,000 and an opportunity to have his artwork entitled, "Roots, Reigns, Loves" to be used as the focal point for Heineken's 2013 Black History Month National Advertising Campaign. Royster's artwork will be used in print, digital, in-store point of sale, and out-of-home advertising throughout next year's Black History Month Contest.

The contest, which ran from January 23rd until February 17th received numerous submissions via Heineken's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Heineken) from both fans and aspiring artists. The top ten submissions were judged on creativity and originality (60%), as well as each artist's portrayal of black history (30%), and Heineken (10%) by a panel of judges, which included Heineken 2011 Black History Month Art Contest Winner, Latasha Williams; famed artist, Justin Bua; Co-Founder and Editor of Stuff Fly People Like (www.stuffflypeoplelike.com), Gabriel Williams; and Heineken's branded team who decided the final winning artist.

"I am honored and excited to be selected as the winner of Heineken's 2012 Black History Month Art Contest," said Royster. "This opportunity will give me the chance to not only showcase my artwork but also provides me a creative outlet to display my love and appreciation for my ancestors and their contributions to not just Black History, but to world history."

This is the second year that the beer brand has held the Black History Month Contest. Last year's contest gained national recognition - Latasha Williams was selected as the contest's winner. Heineken initiated the contest as a way to provide consumers a nationwide platform to showcase their artistic talents and pay homage to Black History Month.

"Heineken was thrilled with the response and artistic submissions for our 2012 Black History Month Art Contest," said Olga Osminkina, Senior Brand Director of Heineken. "Royster's work was truly breath taking and his prize was well deserved."

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About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

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SOURCE Heineken USA