02/08/2024
Life-saving RNLI advertising exhibition to be hosted at BU:
Where: FG04, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus
When: 1 - 31 August
An exciting and thought-provoking exhibition, open to all, this event will highlight the evolution of RNLI's lifesaving advertising campaigns across the last 200 years and explore the future of water safety messaging.
With the support of the RNLI Heritage & Water Safety teams, BU advertising academics have curated a fascinating collection of advertisements spanning decades. From pre-war donation appeals to crew recruitment campaigns, these ads chronicle the community's unwavering support through tea dances, concerts, and balls that kept the RNLI afloat. Dr Jill Nash, a Senior Lecturer in Advertising and Marketing Communications at BU, is one of the curators of the exhibition. She said, “This exhibition is an important display of the power of advertising to resonate with its audience and, ultimately, save lives. This is a fascinating window into the innovation of past advertising campaigns and is helping to push the boundaries for what future campaigns might look like too. We’re delighted to be partnering with the RNLI to showcase these messages.”
The exhibition also showcases the evolution of RNLI's advertising focus towards educating the public on water safety. Modern campaigns such a Float to Live emphasise vital messages such as avoiding rip currents and staying afloat in emergencies, vividly brought to life through audio-visual displays. In a forward-looking section, the exhibition will display innovative advertising concepts from BA (Hons) Advertising and BA (Hons) Animation undergraduates. These potential future RNLI campaigns are designed to resonate with young audiences, promoting safer swimming practices and better water safety decisions and include an interactive animation game as well as advertising creative posters.
