Mayor of London makes open call to creatives for #LondonIsOpen campaign

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is inviting creatives and agencies to submit strategic media ideas and visual responses to a new open-brief campaign declaring London open for business, innovation and culture.

Submissions to #LondonIsOpen will be showcased across the capital’s government and cultural social media platforms as well as physical media spaces like billboards and venues around the city.

A selection will further be exhibited at City Hall’s annual Open House event this September.

The open brief comes in response to widespread concerns that global businesses, media companies and creatives will leave the capital in the wake of Brexit. The campaign seeks not only to secure the capital’s ongoing status as a global city through maintaining business and enterprise, but also promoting culture, creativity and innovation.

Such a brain-drain is predicted by a number of think tanks, including Institute of Directors whose recent survey suggests around 1 in 5 such brands is looking to up-sticks to Ireland or another EU member state, while many more have already halted their acquisitions, accounts and recruiting.

“It is more important than ever to show that our city is united and the capital will continue open for business and open to the world. This is a task that needs us all to work together – to get the best deal for London, to retain our global position and to celebrate our diversity,” says Khan.

“I’m asking that you join me in spreading this message of inclusiveness and openness and to get behind our #Londonisopen movement…by providing brilliant creative content that can be shared by all Londoners, using your own social media reach, or supporting this initiative in other ways.”

Ideas may bit submitted using the hashtag #LondonIsOpen, while more detailed ideas and responses can be sent to marketingteam@london.gov.uk with the title “London is open submission” until 22 July.

.@MayorofLondon to tell European ambassadors that EU nationals living in Ldn will always be welcome #LondonisOpen https://t.co/V54w22KxmU

— Mayor's Press Office (@LDN_pressoffice) July 12, 2016

Best of luck to andy_murray</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/milosraonic">milosraonic today at #Wimbledon. Proud to have the world’s best tennis tournament in our city #LondonIsOpen

— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) July 10, 2016

I met with Beppe Sala, new Mayor of Milan, today – London's ties to European cities remain strong. #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/YSif33GMSu

— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) July 6, 2016