HOST WINS FIRST 'COULD BE A CAXTON' COMPETITION

The topical'John Howard' Ikea ad via agency Host, Sydney, created by The Glue Society's Luke Crethar and Pete Baker has been judged the inaugural winner of the 'Could Be a Caxton' competition, open to agencies on both sides of the Tasman. The competition was established by the Caxton Committee and is supported by The Newspaper Works, to recognise and showcase great print creativity on a more regular basis.
The pair's winning work gets them an all-expenses paid trip to the Caxton Weekend on Oct 26-28 at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa in Byron Bay, NSW. Their press ad also automatically qualifies for the primary Caxton Award category they choose to enter.
Steve Back, Creative Director DDB Sydney (formerly head of art at Saatchi's Auckland) and the inaugural judge of the 'Could Be a Caxton', said: “In the flurry to embrace new media, I think we've all forgotten the power of a great newspaper ad. It certainly seemed that way when recently judging the first Could Be a Caxton. Thankfully there was a glimmer of hope amongst the pile. A 'good ol' topical ad, a great idea, executed simply, to me one of the best uses of the medium. Even if you didn't see the John Howard Ikea ad, I'm sure most of you have heard about it. The ad attracted extensive media coverage on TV and radio. Not bad for a quarter page that ran once. My guess is, it Could Be a Caxton.”
The June/July competition, to be judged by Mike O’Sullivan, ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, is now open for entries. It’s free to enter and anyone can submit nominations. For more information on how to enter the Could Be a Caxton competition and the Caxtons in general, visit www.thecaxtonawards.com.au.

CLIENT: IKEA
AGENCY: Host
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: The Glue Society
COPYWRITER: Luke Crethar
ART DIRECTOR: Pete Baker