Welcome to Optimism

TAKE TO THE STAGE

Following on from the INSPIRE THE BOOTS competition we blogged about last week, Nike is simultaneously running another contest: one whose prize is the ultimate for any young football fan to be the voice of the brand on the ground in South Africa this Summer.

And not only that, the chosen young fan will complete Nike’s trio covering all the World Cup action and news, alongside chart-topping Tinchy Stryder and Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand.

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The prize is a world class opportunity for anyone who considers themselves the writing and reporting talent of the future. Nike Football’s Facebook page will become the winner’s main portal in June, reporting back to the rest of us on the culture, people and events going on at the Tournament.

To be in with a chance to "Take to the Stage", entrants must make an audition video telling Nike why they should get the job. Uploaded on Facebook, the most ‘liked’ videos will progress to the final selection, from which the winner will then handpicked by Anton and Tinchy. If you want further details, check out www.facebook.com/nikefootball

Art Against Knives

The lovely Colette writes:

Emily, Nev and a hand-picked team of photographers, assistants and all-round-supporters, braved the elements on Saturday to film a documentary for local charity, Art Against Knives.

It's a cause that hits home for all involved, since it was set up in aid of a friend, Oliver Hemsley. Last year, a then 21 year old Oliver was brutally attacked in Arnold Circus, East London, leaving him in a wheel chair.

Oliver's tight network of friends and family formed Art Against Knives as an ongoing platform for positive action in the local community. Katy Dawe spearheaded the movement, organising a forum for artists and designers of all calibre to donate and exhibit pieces of work in aid of the charity. Tracey Emin, Giles Deacon, and Vivienne Westwood, were among the first wave to support the cause.

Now, a year on, the charity has expanded to become a full time operation.Which brings us back to Emily, Nev and a damp day in Shoreditch. The premise of the shoot was to capture everyone who had played a part in making AAK what it is today. Artists from across the globe has been invited to create a portrait of each of the key figure heads which will go on to be exhibited and sold at auction. The Joiners Arms kindly provided our HQ for the day. It was quite novel having an all-day tea party in a venue we had never seen in sober daylight before. People dropped in and out, back and forth from the set. Super stylist, Anna Trevelyan, fresh off the plane from L.A, worked her magic on two mannequins in front of gawping passers by. Lulu Kennedy and Barbara Grispini were amongst a few who contributed interviews.

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Oliver

An all-hands-on-deck atmosphere prevailed. The dynamic duo, Em and Nev, kept morale high by showcasing their deft walkie-talkie skills and occasionally flashing. Thanks for that Em.

On a serious note though; it was down to the organisation, team work and sheer graft of Oliver, Katy, Em, Nev and their wonderful team, that meant everything ran according to plan and great work was created. It was a very special day to be part of.

Thanks to Hannah Thurlow and Robbie Maynard for the lovely photos.

If you would like to help, in any way, please check www.artagainstknives.com

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