Red Stripe has announced the six finalists in its special edition label design competition to commemorate the upcoming Paris Olympics. The competition, which garnered an overwhelming response with over 200 submissions, invited talented local artists to craft a limited-edition Red Stripe beer can and 6-pack design.

From a pool of exceptional entries, the top six designs have been vetted by a panel of judges with the winner to be unveiled on February 7.

Speaking on the competition’s impact, judge and Olympic World Champion Asafa Powell expressed his excitement at witnessing the diverse interpretations and exceptional quality of works submitted, “I was impressed with the exceptional talent showcased by the designers. The level of creativity and innovation demonstrated in their designs was truly commendable. It was a difficult task to select a winner because all the designers were talented. I think they should all be proud of the outstanding job they did.”

Judges (from left) Asafa Powell, Edna Manley’s Head of Department of the School of Visual and Creative Arts, Susan Lee Quee and Kingston Creative’s Art District Project Manager, Daniel Thompson were deep in thought as they commented on each design.

The finalists had five to 10 minutes to present their creations to a prestigious panel of judges during a pre-judging session held on Saturday, February 3. Each creation was scrutinised for its ability to evoke inspiration Jamaican pride, and innovative design elements.

The esteemed panel of judges also included Daniel Thompson, Kingston Creative’s Art District Project Manager and Susan Lee Quee, Department Head of the School of Visual Arts at Edna Manley College. The winning design will not only grace the limited-edition Red Stripe beer cans but will also etch its mark in Jamaican history.

Creatives were tasked with creating a design to celebrate the triumphs and accomplishments of Jamaican athletes. The official announcement of the competition came during their press conference in December as a part of their ‘Guh Fi Gold and Glory’ campaign and official partnership with the Jamaican Olympic Association.

Organisers said the campaign allows consumers to be a part of the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The winner of the design competition will have the chance to pocket half a million dollars, and the opportunity to have this monumental design showcased at the Olympic Village in Paris, France and for consumers to
purchase as a limited edition.

Excited at the opportunity to be a potential winner in the competition, finalist Sasha-Kaye Cowan had this to say, “Being the only female finalist feels wonderful, it has shown me that I am more capable than I think and it’s a testament to what can be achieved once you are willing to try. My design is more than just entering this competition, I want when someone sees my design they feel included and well-represented. I am grateful for the opportunity that Red Stripe has given me regardless of what the outcome may be.”

Looking ahead at what’s to come for the campaign, Red Stripe Brand Manager, Nathan Nelms shared how he feels this competition plays an important part in showcasing the talent of Jamaicans in a new way.

He shared, “We have been supporting Jamaica’s culture for almost 100 years and this competition showcases that Jamaicans will always go hard to showcase our talents and that includes our creatives. We know the importance of investing in our people and their talent. This competition is more than just a way to give back to our consumers but another way to show our Jamaican pride through the celebration of our athletes. We are grateful for the
support this competition has received thus far and I cannot wait to see who the winner will be.”