Pabst Blue Ribbon has always championed the doers, the creatives, those with their hearts firmly on their sleeves, the blue ribbon serving as a badge of honor and inspiration. What better way to celebrate 175 years than raising the iconic PBR can? In search of the brand’s next creative force, Pabst Blue Ribbon launches its annual Art Can Contest while showcasing past winners through a unique AR can experience created in partnership with LA-based agency Party Land.

Launched in 2014, the Pabst Blue Ribbon Art Can Contest has put original art on over 300 million cans and awarded over $100,000 to emerging artists. The 2020 Art Can Contest kicks off just as 30 million cans featuring last year’s winners hit stores and bars across America. The winning designs from 2019 include Charlie Kendall covering the 12oz, Kelly Ward on the 16oz and Tenbeete Solomon (aka Trap Bob) on the 24oz. 

The AR experience allows anyone to hold a 16-ounce Kelly Ward art can of Pabst Blue Ribbon up to their smartphone to trigger a new in-app AR lens on their Facebook camera. Users will be able to swipe through five winning designs of previous Pabst Blue Ribbon Art Can Contests. Pabst is sharing these AR cans to inspire people to become part of the brand’s future by entering this year’s Art Can Contest, which begins today, October 1st. Pabst Blue Ribbon also invites users to post a photo with the AR cans using the hashtag #PabstTurns175 for a chance to win swag bags of select limited edition art can merchandise.

The 2020 contest will be judged in partnership with Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine. For over 25 years Juxtapoz has supported and documented underground art, giving a platform to emerging artists and communities who have been overlooked by the mainstream and commercial art world. The enormous distribution opportunity provides major exposure for winners.

The winner of the 2020 Art Can Contest will have their work featured on over 30 million cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon, as well as all related packaging in the Summer of 2020 and will also receive a $10,000 grand prize, in addition to being interviewed and featured on Juxtapoz.com.

“The Art Can Contest allows us to literally turn our biggest platform into a blank canvas for an emerging artist. We put original art in the hands of millions every year, and allow our customers to experience incredible art wherever they are enjoying a Pabst Blue Ribbon,” said Andrew Heard, brand manager of art at Pabst Blue Ribbon. “Partnering with Juxtapoz was a no-brainer. They’ve been supporting amazing and overlooked art for over two decades. We’re thrilled they’ve got involved and know their support will be of huge value to our contest winner.”

The Art Can Contest is just one element of Pabst Blue Ribbon’s commitment to supporting art around America. Since 2016 Pabst Blue Ribbon has commissioned over 175 original murals across the country, and in 2019 launched the first-ever National Mural Day, putting up murals in more than 13 cities across the country.

To view the rules, get a beer can template, and receive tips on how to submit, visit pabstblueribbon.com/art/