Hatuey Seeks Artists for Marketing Campaign

Back in the 1940s and ’50s, the tropical island of Cuba was home to thousands of artists and musicians. Writers and movie stars traveled there to sun on the beaches and play in the nightclubs.

During that time, a local beer named Hatuey sought out some of those talented artists to work on its advertising campaigns. Using Havana and its people as inspiration, these artists created beautiful and intriguing images of dancers, beaches, and the beer itself.

Many of these ads were destroyed during the revolution and in the decades that followed, but the ones that were salvaged are both gorgeous and powerful — evoking a Cuba of yesteryear filled with happy people enjoying life.

Today, Hatuey beer has been revived by Bacardi. The pale ale is now brewed and bottled in the United States, but the memories and spirit of Cuba remain.

In another attempt to re-create some of the traditions of the Cuba of yore, Hatuey has launched the contest “Hatuey and the Arts.” The company is looking for the next creative mind to work on the beer’s new marketing campaign. And it’s looking for a local Florida artist.

Florida artists of legal drinking age can submit their original artwork online via hatuey.com/hatueyandthearts

by September 14. The artwork will be reviewed by an expert panel of

judges comprising local advertising professionals and artists. On

September 21, ten finalists will be selected to develop and refine their

work and will receive a cash stipend. Of those finalists, one winner

will be chosen December 7. The winner will receive $5,000, and the

artwork will be used in Hatuey’s next advertising campaign (complete rules here).

In addition, the finalists’ artwork will be displayed in local Miami galleries and on Facebook. Here’s a look at some classic Hatuey ads, circa 1950s Cuba, to get your creative juices flowing:

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