Collaborate on a collage inspired by U2's Achtung Baby

Winner Announced On
February 29, 2012
THE BRIEF

The opening years of the 1990s were a period when U2 astonished the critics by dramatically re-imagining their music with the release of Achtung Baby. Twenty years on, the band has revisited the era, digging deep into the archives to mine a trove of unreleased songs, rare collaborations, lost remixes and cult B-sides. As well as never-before heard tracks from the Berlin and Dublin sessions, the new material debuts live performance pieces and commercially unreleased videos, as well as club hits from the dance-floor and special guest appearances.

Achtung Baby embodies a multitude of ideas and styles which are represented through the album cover artwork mosaic. The squared collage of photos symbolise the spirit of the album, the 90s and the changes in Europe after the fall of the Berlin wall.

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary, U2’s team, including designer Shaughn McGrath and original photographer, Anton Corbijn, are inviting artists to submit their photograph or artwork (can be an illustration, graphic design or painting) which reflects today's global environment. The photographs and artwork should emulate the same meaning that is conveyed on the original album cover. If Achtung Baby was released today, what photographs and/or artwork would be part of the collage?
ABOUT U2
One of only a few bands to achieve consistent success across three decades, U2 has earned the respect of their peers and critics and an almost fanatical following of fans around the world.
THE CAREER OPPORTUNITY

U2's official designer, Shaughn McGrath and photographer, Anton Corbijn will select 15 submissions which will be created into a collage and featured on U2.com. 

The winners will earn global exposure for their work which will be promoted across U2's social media channels and U2.com, alongside a feature about each winner. In addition, the winners will receive:

  • A copy of the final collage
  • Deluxe box-set
  • Digital Camera

Shaughn McGrath and Anton Corbijn will select one overall winner (from the pool of 16 submissions) who will receive a custom designed, original Achtung Baby styled Trabant car.

THE COMMUNITY CHOICE

The highest voted artist will have their submission promoted across U2's social media channels and U2.com. In addition the artist will receive:

  • A copy of the final collage
  • Deluxe box-set
  • SLR Digital Camera

HOW WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN

The host will choose from all qualified submissions with special consideration for the top voted entries. A qualified submission is one which meets all Terms & Conditions, Guidelines and Official Rules.

CREATIVE INVITE GUIDELINES

  • All submissions must be original and submitted in JPEG or PNG format and must not have been commercially used either before or during this Creative Invite.
  • Participants must retain their original artwork should they be chosen as the winner.
  • The 16 finalists shall grant to U2 and its licensees an irrevocable worldwide, royalty-free licence in perpetuity to use the photography submitted for the contest in any promotional and publicity materials and in all media.
  • The 16 finalists will be allowed to use their submission for portfolio purposes.
  • U2 has the right, but not the obligation, to use the winning submission.

Key Dates
  • Submit By: January 26, 2012 at 2:00 AM
  • Voting Starts: January 26, 2012 at 2:00 AM
  • Voting Ends: February 1, 2012 at 2:00 AM
  • Winner Announcement: February 29, 2012
All times are in Pacific Standard Time.