The Absolut Art Exchange Hub

Absolut has partnered up with Rivington Grill in Shoreditch to create the Art Exchange Hub where guests can create their own piece of art while enjoying bespoke, Andy Warhol-inspired cocktails. The collaboration celebrates the launch of Absolut’s Andy Warhol Edition, a new limited edition bottle celebrating creativity, pop art and the brand’s long standing collaboration with the iconic artist and his work. Rivington Shoreditch will be the only public-access place in the UK hosting an Art Exchange Hub.

Guests at Rivington Shoreditch will be encouraged to unleash their creative spirits and enter the Andy Warhol Art Exchange by Absolut – the world’s largest online art exchange. Especially loaded iPads will be available at the Hub for guests to create their own piece of digital art employing easy-to-use generative art tools, enabling anyone to be an artist.

Once submitted, users will get a piece of art back from another participant somewhere in the world. Everyone will be a winner in the Art Exchange, and some lucky participants will get to exchange works with artists like Ryder Ripps, Taylor Mckimens or any of the other famous participants in the exchange; there is even an original Andy Warhol included.

When Rivington Grill opened in 2002, the galleries and creative agencies were moving in their droves into Shoreditch, thus initiating the core of cool and creativity that the area is today. Rivington’s relationship with artists and galleries is long-standing – since the beginning, Tracey Emin’s neon “Life without you – never” has adorned the walls. The stripped back floorboards, whitewashed walls and industrial New York-esque look is the perfect backdrop for gallerist Carl Freedman’s rolling collection of art.

“Absolut has long been an iconic brand, oozing ingenuity and originality. The bar industry is very competitive and creative, and you really need to be doing something extraordinary to get noticed these days. We’re thrilled to be involved with this initiative – not only are the cocktails really good to drink, and the way they are served great fun – the exchange of art is so inclusive and creative – what’s not to love?” says Xavier Landais, Group Bar Manager, Caprice Holdings.

Adam Boita, Marketing Controller at Pernod Ricard UK comments: “Absolut has a longstanding commitment to art and creativity, which began with the Warhol collaboration almost 30 years ago. Since then, we have worked with everyone from Keith Haring and Damien Hirst to Jamie Hewlett. With its collection of contemporary British art, Rivington Shoreditch was the perfect partner for the Art Exchange Hub, offering a fun and easy way for anyone to become an artist.”

Warhol once said: “One’s company, two’s a crowd and three’s a party” and to celebrate the party, the bar team at Rivington has come up with some cracking and suitably artistic cocktails for people to drink whilst they are building up their creative stamina to participate in the Art Exchange Hub. On offer are the Espresso Art-tini, 15 Mins of Shame, Pennsylvania Kid, Reversed Vesper and Monroe’s Touch.

All cocktails £8.50. Bookings are subject to availability